Unmanned aerial vehicle rear-mounted imaging system and mounting bracket

Abstract

The invention discloses a rear-mounted imaging system of an unmanned aerial vehicle and a mounting bracket. The rear-mounted imaging system of the unmanned aerial vehicle comprises the mounting bracket, an imaging module and a main control module, the top end of the mounting support is used for being connected with a fuselage of a target unmanned aerial vehicle, supporting legs are arranged at the bottom end of the mounting support and used for providing support for rising and falling of the target unmanned aerial vehicle, and the imaging module and the main control module are connected to the bottom of the mounting support and avoid the supporting legs. And the imaging module is in communication connection with the main control module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technology, and in particular to a UAV retrofit imaging system and mounting bracket. Background Technology

[0002] Against the backdrop of the nation's vigorous promotion of low-altitude economic development, drones, as a core category in the civilian sector, have experienced rapid growth, with numerous manufacturers, brands, and models of drones emerging in the market. Currently, high-resolution visible light main cameras, fuselage surround-view visible light cameras, distance sensors, and obstacle avoidance visual sensors have become standard features in mid-to-high-end drones, achieving new breakthroughs through the combination of drone flight control technology and sensor configuration development. With the deepening application of drones in consumer and industrial fields, multi-scenario imaging needs, such as infrared night vision and low-light reconnaissance, have placed higher demands on drone functional design. Taking drone imaging systems as an example, the original design of consumer-grade drones typically only has white light imaging capabilities. Due to the closed interface of the native imaging module, it is difficult to expand other types of additional imaging functions without modifying the fuselage structure. At the same time, current aftermarket imaging structures are usually directly strapped to the bottom of the drone, making the imaging structure susceptible to damage from collisions during landing. Currently, the industry has not yet formed a modular integration solution that balances scenario-adaptability imaging function expansion with structural protection.

[0003] How to expand the existing imaging module of a drone to include additional imaging functions adapted to different scenarios, while ensuring that the drone is protected from impacts during landing, thus forming a drone retrofit imaging system solution that combines functional expansion and structural protection, has become an urgent problem to be solved in the industry. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the existing technical problems, this application provides an integrated drone after-mounted imaging system and mounting bracket that can conveniently expand the drone's original imaging module with additional imaging functions adapted to different scenarios, and avoids collisions when the drone lands.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this application embodiment is implemented as follows:

[0006] A drone-mounted imaging system includes a mounting bracket, an imaging module, and a main control module. The top of the mounting bracket is used to connect to the fuselage of a target drone, and the bottom of the mounting bracket is provided with a support leg to support the take-off and landing of the target drone. The imaging module and the main control module are connected to the bottom of the mounting bracket and avoid the support leg, and the imaging module and the main control module are communicatively connected.

[0007] Optionally, the imaging module and the main control module are integrated into one unit; or,

[0008] The imaging module and the main control module are separately configured and located on both sides of the support leg, respectively.

[0009] Optionally, the imaging module includes a gimbal connected to the bottom of the mounting bracket and a camera module connected to the gimbal. The camera module is communicatively connected to the main control module. The camera module includes at least one of an infrared module, a visible light module, and a low-light module.

[0010] Optionally, the imaging module further includes a laser pointer, which is integrated inside the camera module or fixedly connected to the camera module.

[0011] Optionally, the mounting bracket includes a support portion and a first arm and a second arm disposed on both sides of the support portion. The support portion is used to connect to the fuselage of the target UAV, and the first arm and the second arm are used to respectively mount and connect the imaging module and the main control module.

[0012] Optionally, the opposite ends of the bearing portion are provided with connecting structures;

[0013] The UAV rear-mounted imaging system also includes a strap-type connector, which is used to wrap around the upper part of the target UAV and has both ends connected to the connection structure.

[0014] Optionally, a remote controller is also included, which is communicatively connected to the main control module to control the imaging module.

[0015] Optionally, the remote controller includes a housing, a control board housed within the housing, and a display screen. The control board is communicatively connected to the main control module, and the display screen is used to display image data acquired by the imaging module.

[0016] Optionally, it also includes a thrower provided on the outrigger; the thrower includes a cylinder and a telescopic rod connected to the cylinder, the cylinder is fixed to one leg, and a locking part is provided on the other leg at a position corresponding to the cylinder, the telescopic rod includes a locked state that extends out of the cylinder and is inserted into the locking part, and an unlocked state that exits the locking part and retracts into the cylinder.

[0017] The UAV retrofit imaging system provided in the above embodiments includes a mounting bracket, an imaging module, and a main control module. The top of the mounting bracket connects to the fuselage of the target UAV, while the bottom of the mounting bracket is equipped with support legs. These legs provide effective and reliable support for the UAV during takeoff and landing, ensuring stability and safety and preventing potential damage from impacts. Both the imaging module and the main control module are connected to the bottom of the mounting bracket, and their installation positions avoid the support legs to ensure proper support and prevent obstruction of the imaging module's field of view. Furthermore, the imaging module and the main control module communicate with each other to achieve data exchange and collaborative operation, enabling the entire UAV retrofit imaging system to function smoothly. Thus, the design of the drone retrofit imaging system allows for the convenient integration of the imaging module onto the drone body. Based on the drone's original imaging module, it expands the drone with additional imaging modules adapted to different scenarios, making it easy to upgrade the drone's imaging function. Moreover, it can also ensure that the drone is protected from impacts during landing, forming an integrated design of a drone retrofit imaging system that combines functional expansion and structural protection.

[0018] A mounting bracket for a drone, used in any embodiment of the drone retrofit imaging system described in this application, includes a support unit, legs disposed at the bottom of the support unit, and a first arm and a second arm disposed on both sides of the support unit. The support unit is used to connect to the fuselage of the target drone, the legs are used to provide support for the take-off and landing of the target drone, and the first arm and the second arm are used to respectively mount different components of the drone retrofit imaging system.

[0019] The UAV mounting bracket provided in the above embodiment includes a support unit, legs located at the bottom of the support unit, a first arm, and a second arm. The support unit is used to mount the target UAV fuselage, and the legs provide stable support during takeoff and landing, functioning as landing gear to prevent the fuselage from impacting the ground. The first and second arms are located on opposite sides of the support unit, allowing for flexible mounting of various components of the UAV's aftermarket imaging system, such as infrared thermal imaging modules, laser designators, and main control modules added to expand the UAV's infrared thermal imaging capabilities. Thus, the design of the UAV mounting bracket satisfies the independent installation space requirements of each component while optimizing the UAV's center of gravity balance during flight through symmetrical load distribution. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a UAV post-mounted imaging system in one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 2This is an exploded view of the UAV post-installed imaging system in one embodiment;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sky end of a UAV rear-mounted imaging system in one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ground end of a UAV post-mounted imaging system in one embodiment;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a remote controller in one embodiment.

[0025] Component Symbol Explanation

[0026] Mounting bracket 10, first support arm 11, second support arm 12, bearing part 20, bottom wall 21, side wall 22, support leg 30, imaging module 40, clearance hole 41, connecting structure 50, strap-type connector 51, buckle hole 52, reinforcing rib 60, thrower 70, cylinder 71, telescopic rod 72, locking part 73, pan-tilt unit 80, camera module 81, main control module 82, laser pointer mounting bracket 83, remote control 90, housing 91, control board 92, display screen 93 Detailed Implementation

[0027] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terminology used herein in the specification of this invention is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the ways in which the invention may be implemented. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0029] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. In the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0030] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal communication between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0031] In the following description, the phrase "some embodiments" refers to a subset of all possible embodiments. It should be noted that "some embodiments" can be the same subset or different subsets of all possible embodiments, and can be combined with each other without conflict.

[0032] In the following description, the terms "first, second, and third" are used merely to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of objects. It is understood that "first, second, and third" may be interchanged in a specific order or sequence where permitted, so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein.

[0033] The drone after-mounted imaging system provided in this application consists of two parts that work together: a sky end and a ground end. The sky end is mounted on the drone, while the ground end is carried by a remote controller for easy user operation. The sky end and the ground end are connected by a two-way wireless communication link to build a complete human-machine interaction system.

[0034] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 and Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the aerial end structure of a drone retrofit imaging system according to an embodiment of this application. It mainly includes a mounting bracket 10, an imaging module 40, and a main control module 82. The top of the mounting bracket 10 is used to connect to the fuselage of the target drone, and the bottom of the mounting bracket 10 is provided with support legs 30 to support the take-off and landing of the target drone. The imaging module 40 and the main control module 82 are connected to the bottom of the mounting bracket 10, avoiding the support legs 30, and are communicatively connected. The communication connection between the imaging module 40 and the main control module 82 can be wireless or wired, and is not specifically limited.

[0035] In practical use, the imaging module 40 acquires images of the target scene and transmits the image data to the main control module 82. After receiving the data, the main control module 82 can perform image processing and analysis, such as using AI algorithms to achieve target detection and recognition, thereby generating the target information required by the user and sending it to the ground. It should be noted that after the imaging module 40 and the main control module 82 are connected to the bottom of the mounting bracket 10, the bottommost point of the outrigger 30 must be lower than the bottommost points of both the imaging module 40 and the main control module 82 to ensure that when the drone lands, it is the outrigger 30 that contacts the ground, rather than the imaging module 40 and the main control module 82.

[0036] The mounting bracket 10 is the main structural component of the UAV retrofit imaging system. When the UAV retrofit imaging system integrates the imaging module 40 and the main control module 82 onto the UAV, the UAV fuselage can be placed on top of the mounting bracket 10, while the imaging module 40 and the main control module 82 are installed at the bottom of the mounting bracket 10. In this way, the mounting bracket 10 not only enables the UAV retrofit imaging system to perform its mounting function, but also achieves a more stable assembly state with the UAV.

[0037] The target drone can be any known model. In this embodiment, the drone retrofit imaging system can be specifically designed with a mounting bracket for any known model of drone, thus the drone retrofit imaging system can be well adapted to any known model of drone product, and has strong practical applicability.

[0038] In the above embodiment, the UAV retrofit imaging system includes a mounting bracket 10, an imaging module 40, and a main control module 82. The top of the mounting bracket 10 connects to the fuselage of the target UAV, while the bottom of the mounting bracket 10 is equipped with support legs 30. These support legs 30 provide effective and reliable support for the UAV during takeoff and landing, ensuring stability and safety and preventing potential damage to the imaging module 40 or the main control module 82 due to impacts. The imaging module 40 and the main control module 82 are mounted at the bottom of the mounting bracket 10, with a reasonable layout to avoid obstructing the support legs 30. This ensures the stability of the support legs 30 while preventing obstruction of the imaging module 40's field of view, thus ensuring unaffected imaging performance. Simultaneously, the imaging module 40 and the main control module 82 achieve efficient data interaction through a communication link, working closely together to ensure the stable operation of the entire UAV retrofit imaging system. Thus, the design of the drone retrofit imaging system allows for the convenient integration of the imaging module 40 onto the drone body. Based on the drone's original imaging capabilities, it expands the drone with additional imaging modules adapted to different scenarios, making it easy to upgrade the drone's imaging functions. Furthermore, it ensures that the drone is protected from impacts during landing, forming an integrated design of a drone retrofit imaging system that combines functional expansion and structural protection.

[0039] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The imaging module 40 and the main control module 82 can be integrated into one unit; or, the imaging module 40 and the main control module 82 can be separate units, located on either side of the support leg 30. In the UAV's aftermarket imaging system, there are two design options for the layout of the imaging module 40 and the main control module 82: First, the imaging module 40 and the main control module 82 are integrated into a single structure and installed at the bottom of the mounting bracket 10; second, the imaging module 40 and the main control module 82 are separate units, each independently located on the left and right sides of the support leg 30. This ensures a relatively balanced weight distribution on both sides, avoiding instability caused by a shift in the center of gravity. Both of these configurations prioritize avoiding interference with the support structure of the support leg 30, ensuring that the support leg 30 can function properly during UAV takeoff and landing, while allowing for flexible selection of more integrated or more dispersed structural forms based on different usage requirements and scenarios, thereby optimizing system space utilization and functionality.

[0040] In other embodiments, the imaging module 40 includes a gimbal 80 connected to the bottom of the mounting bracket 10 and a camera module 81 connected to the gimbal 80. The camera module 81 is communicatively connected to the main control module 82. The gimbal 80 enables the imaging module 40 to flexibly adjust its orientation to acquire images from different angles and maintain stability, achieving high degree of freedom and high image stabilization performance. The camera module 81 includes at least one of an infrared module, a visible light module, and a low-light module; that is, it can be a single-spectrum imaging module or a multi-spectral imaging module, such as an infrared + visible light dual-light imaging module.

[0041] In this embodiment, the camera module 81 includes an infrared module, which is suspended from the first arm 11 via a gimbal 80. The main control module 82, which controls the infrared module, is suspended from the second arm 12. The main control module 82 and the infrared module establish a communication connection via a data cable, enabling a more stable signal transmission connection and ensuring that the infrared thermal imaging function maintains more stable imaging quality during UAV flight. By placing the infrared module and the main control module 82 on different arms, the gimbal 80 enables stable rotation and flexible angle adjustment of the infrared module, while the data cable communication ensures real-time control and data interaction of the main control module 82 over the infrared module. This allows the UAV, equipped with the imaging module 40, to efficiently complete the acquisition and processing of thermal imaging data.

[0042] Optionally, the camera module 81 also includes a visible light module. The gimbal 80 is fixed to the first arm 11, and the visible light module is suspended from the first arm 11 via the gimbal 80. The main control module 82, which controls the visible light module, is suspended from the second arm 12. The gimbal 80 can drive the visible light module to rotate at multiple angles, thus ensuring the flexibility and stability of image data acquisition. The main control module 82 integrates a signal processing and control unit, which communicates with the visible light module via a data cable. This allows the main control module 82 to more stably receive and process image data transmitted from the visible light module in real time, and to send necessary control commands to the visible light module, enabling real-time control of shooting parameters, angle adjustment, and other functions, ensuring efficient and coordinated operation of the imaging system during drone operations.

[0043] Optionally, the camera module 81 also includes a low-light module. The low-light module is suspended from the first arm 11 via a gimbal 80, and the main control module 82, which controls the low-light module, is suspended from the second arm 12. The low-light module is fixed to the gimbal 80, and in conjunction with the gimbal 80, it can achieve multi-angle low-light environment shooting. Furthermore, the low-light module communicates with the main control module 82 via a data cable, receiving control commands from the main control module 82, such as parameter adjustment, start / stop, etc., processing image data in real time and adjusting shooting parameters, while simultaneously transmitting the acquired image data to the main control module 82 for processing, storage, or output. In this embodiment, the drone's aftermarket imaging system conveniently extends the low-light imaging function of the low-light module, providing the drone with crucial visual perception capabilities, particularly suitable for drone nighttime operation scenarios.

[0044] Optionally, the imaging module 40 also includes a laser pointer, which is integrated inside the camera module 81 or fixedly connected to the camera module 81. The camera module 81 can be configured in two ways to install the laser pointer: First, the laser pointer is directly integrated inside the camera module 81, integrating the laser pointing function with the camera module 81 through modular design, reducing space occupation while achieving functional integration; Second, an independent laser pointer mounting bracket 83 is provided below the camera module 81. This laser pointer mounting bracket 83 is mounted on the first support arm 11 together with the camera module 81 via a snap-fit ​​structure. This independent installation method allows for flexible addition of laser pointers according to operational needs. The snap-fit ​​design of the laser pointer mounting bracket 83 ensures a stable connection while facilitating quick disassembly and assembly to adapt to different accessory combinations and rapid assembly requirements.

[0045] In some embodiments, the mounting bracket 10 includes a support portion 20 and a first arm 11 and a second arm 12 disposed on both sides of the support portion 20. The support portion 20 is used to connect to the fuselage of the target UAV, and the first arm 11 and the second arm 12 are used to respectively mount and connect the imaging module 40 and the main control module 82. The mounting bracket 10 is a structure for connecting and supporting the UAV's post-installed imaging system to the UAV, including the support portion 20, the first arm 11, and the second arm 12. The support portion 20 is used to securely connect to the fuselage of the target UAV, providing a stable mounting foundation for the entire system. The design of the first arm 11 and the second arm 12 respectively located on both sides of the support portion 20 allows the imaging module 40 to be integrated and mounted on the outside of the UAV fuselage in a suspended manner. This not only achieves convenient functional upgrades but also, due to its reasonable structural layout, does not affect the original flight performance of the UAV, demonstrating significant advantages such as simple structure, strong versatility, and easy functional expansion. Furthermore, the design of the first arm 11 and the second arm 12 being located on opposite sides of the support portion 20 is more conducive to ensuring the overall balance of the UAV's rear-mounted imaging system after mounting the imaging module 40. In this embodiment, the support portion 20, as the structure for mounting and supporting the fuselage, includes a bottom wall 21 and two side walls 22. The side walls 22 extend from the opposite edges of the bottom wall 21 in a direction away from the support legs 30, thereby forming a storage space for mounting the UAV fuselage between the bottom wall 21 and the side walls 22. This provides a stable mounting and storage area for the UAV fuselage, ensuring effective load-bearing during UAV operation. It should be noted that the bottom wall 21 and the side wall 22 refer to the structures that define the outline shape of the supporting part. They can be, but are not limited to, solid plates. For example, in some examples, the bottom wall 21 and the side wall 22 can be plates with one or more hollow areas. In other examples, the bottom wall 21 and the side wall 22 can even be frame structures with rectangular outer contours formed by bending rod-shaped objects.

[0046] In some embodiments, please refer to Figure 2The support portion 20, the first arm 11, and the second arm 12 are each provided with clearance holes 41; a reinforcing rib 60 connects adjacent legs 30. In this embodiment, the clearance holes 41 on the support portion 20 can be provided on the bottom wall 21; and the first arm 11 and the second arm 12 are also provided with clearance holes 41. The design of the clearance holes 41 can precisely avoid the installation position and detection area of ​​the UAV sensor, avoiding interference from the bottom wall 21, the first arm 11, and the second arm 12 on the signal acquisition, operating space, and detection function of the UAV's original structural sensor, thus better ensuring the normal operation of the sensor during operation. Therefore, it takes into account both the structural strength of the UAV's rear-mounted imaging system and the functional requirements of adapting to different UAV models. Moreover, a reinforcing rib 60 connects adjacent legs 30. Multiple outriggers 30 are provided and installed at the corners of the bottom wall 21. When the UAV's rear-mounted imaging system realizes the landing gear function, multiple outriggers 30 can provide multi-point support to ensure the stability of the support. A reinforcing rib 60 connects two adjacent outriggers 30, which effectively enhances the structural strength between adjacent outriggers 30, further improves the overall structural support, and ensures the reliability of the structure and function of the UAV's rear-mounted imaging system.

[0047] In other embodiments, the carrier 20 is provided with connecting structures 50 at opposite ends; the UAV afterloading system also includes strap-type connectors 51, which are used to wrap around the upper part of the target UAV and are connected to the connecting structures 50 at both ends.

[0048] The connecting structure 50 is a buckle part, and the strap-type connector 51 is a flexible strip structure with buckle holes 52 at both ends. The strap-type connector 51 is connected by the buckle holes 52 and the buckle part.

[0049] In this embodiment, the supporting part 20 has connecting structures 50 at its opposite ends. The connecting structure 50 can be located at the end of the side wall 22 furthest from the bottom wall 21. The UAV retro-mounted imaging system is further equipped with strap-type connectors 51. These connectors 51 can be wrapped around the top of the target UAV fuselage, with both ends connected to the connecting structures 50 at the ends of the side wall 22. Thus, the design of the strap-type connectors 51 achieves a more reliable and stable connection between the UAV retro-mounted imaging system and the UAV, further ensuring the stability of the UAV fuselage mounted on the supporting part 20 during flight. The connecting structure 50 can adopt a snap-fit ​​design, and the matching strap-type connector 51 is a flexible strip structure with buckle holes 52 at its opposite ends. The strap-type connector 51 directly engages with the snap-fit ​​parts at the ends of the side wall 22 through the buckle holes 52, achieving a fixed connection with the connecting structure 50. In another embodiment, a buckle portion can be provided on the strap-type connector 51, and corresponding buckle holes can be provided at opposite ends of the support portion 20 to achieve a mating connection. Alternatively, the support portion 20 may have a quick-release connection structure 50 at only one end, with one end of the strap-type connector 51 fixedly connected to the support portion 20, and the other end of the strap-type connector 51 configured as a movable end that can mate with the connection structure 50. This allows it to bypass the tail of the target drone and be locked to the connection structure 50 of the support portion 20, thereby achieving a connection with the drone.

[0050] The design of the buckle and the buckle hole 52 utilizes the flexible strap material of the strap-type connector 51 to adapt to different fuselage contours, and achieves convenient installation through the quick-locking of the buckle structure. While ensuring connection strength, it provides an efficient, flexible, and stable connection solution for drone mounting operations. It should be noted that the buckle holes 52 at both ends of the strap-type connector 51 can include multiple holes spaced apart. The tightness of the strap-type connector 51 when bound to the drone can be adjusted by adjusting the engagement of the buckle holes 52 at different positions with the buckle part. The material of the strap-type connector 51 can be a strip structure made of a known flexible, easily deformable, and tough material, such as rubber, silicone, latex, or soft leather. It should be noted that the length design of the strap connector 51 allows it to be more compatible with the size of different drone models. The strap connector 51 is wrapped around the top of the drone's body, while the storage space of the support part 20 is equivalent to the part that wraps around the bottom of the drone. The strap connector 51 and the support part 20, through a combination of flexibility and rigidity, together form an assembly structure that wraps around the drone's body, which can further improve the stability of the drone's rear-mounted imaging system. The flexible design of the strap connector 51 also helps the drone's rear-mounted imaging system to adapt to drones of different models and sizes.

[0051] Furthermore, the number of strap-type connectors 51 can be one or more. In an optional specific example, the number of strap-type connectors 51 is two, and they are respectively wrapped around the middle section of the UAV fuselage, which further improves the stability and balance of the UAV rear-mounted imaging system after it is installed on the UAV.

[0052] In some embodiments, a thrower 70 is also included on a support leg 30. The thrower 70 includes a cylinder 71 and a telescopic rod 72 connected to the cylinder 71. The cylinder 71 is fixed to one support leg 30, and a locking part 73 is provided on the other support leg 30 at a position corresponding to the cylinder 71. The telescopic rod 72 has a locked state in which it extends out of the cylinder 71 and is inserted into the locking part 73, and an unlocked state in which it exits the locking part 73 and retracts into the cylinder 71. The telescopic rod 72 has two working states: when it is locked, the telescopic rod 72 extends out of the cylinder 71 and inserts into the locking part 73; when it is unlocked, the telescopic rod 72 exits the locking part 73 and retracts into the cylinder 71. For objects that need to be temporarily mounted on a drone and transported by the drone, they can be mounted on the telescopic boom 72. When the drone reaches the target location and the mounted object needs to be released, the telescopic boom 72 can be controlled to extend and retract inside and outside the cylinder 71. The telescopic boom 72 will then separate from the locking part 73, allowing the mounted object to be released. It should be noted that the thrower 70 can also be a mechanical gripper, gravity release, or other feasible structural forms. The design of the thrower 70 provides more support for the expansion of additional functions of the drone's aftermarket imaging system, further enhancing the practical value of the drone aftermarket imaging system.

[0053] Please see Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the ground-side structure of a drone aftermarket imaging system according to an embodiment of this application. It mainly includes a remote controller 90, which establishes a communication connection with a main control module 82. Users can control various operations of the imaging module 40 by operating the remote controller 90. When a user issues a command signal using the remote controller 90, the signal is transmitted to the main control module 82. The main control module 82 then adjusts the working state of the imaging module 40 in real time according to the command, such as adjusting the focus, switching shooting modes, and transmitting images. This makes the operation of the entire drone aftermarket imaging system more convenient and flexible, meeting the user's control needs for the imaging module 40 in different scenarios, and further improving the practicality and operability of the drone aftermarket imaging system.

[0054] The remote controller 90 includes a housing 91, a control board 92 housed within the housing 91, and a display screen 93. The control board 92 is wirelessly connected to the main control module 82 and is used to send control commands to the main control module 82. The display screen 93 is used to receive and display image data collected by the imaging module 40 in real time. This allows for complete independence from the original design limitations of the drone, enabling the expansion of the drone's additional imaging functions. The control board 92 can be equipped with buttons, joysticks, knobs, and other operating components for convenient manual operation to issue control commands. Optionally, the housing 91 of the remote controller 90 and the original drone remote controller of the target drone can adopt a foldable connection design, simultaneously maintaining portability, functionality, and operability, making it particularly suitable for drone applications requiring multi-device collaboration or high portability.

[0055] In a specific example, please refer to Figures 3 to 5 The UAV's aftermarket imaging system's airborne component includes a main control module, gimbal, camera module, airborne wireless transceiver module, and airborne antenna, all mounted on a mounting bracket. The airborne antenna and transceiver module can be integrated into the main control module or flexibly configured as independent modules, such as being built into the bracket's legs to save space, balancing structural compactness and functional expandability. The ground-based component, carried by a remote controller, includes a main control module, control board, display screen, groundborne wireless transceiver module, and groundborne antenna. The groundborne wireless transceiver module and antenna can be integrated into the main control module or flexibly configured as independent communication modules. For example, the groundborne antenna can be retractably mounted on the top of the remote controller, dynamically adjusting the signal reception angle according to the usage scenario to improve communication stability in complex environments. Both the airborne and ground-based components are equipped with batteries to provide power for the normal operation of the UAV's aftermarket imaging system.

[0056] In practical use, the aerial camera module captures images of the target scene and transmits them to the aerial main control module. The main control module processes and analyzes the images to generate the target information needed by the user, and then transmits it to the ground terminal via the aerial wireless transceiver module and antenna. The ground main control module receives the data via the ground antenna and wireless transceiver module and displays the information on the screen for user observation. Conversely, the ground main control module can receive commands triggered by the user through the control board or display screen interface in real time and transmit them wirelessly to the aerial terminal via the ground wireless transceiver module and antenna. The aerial terminal receives these commands via the antenna and wireless transceiver module and transmits them to the aerial main control module for parsing and processing, ultimately converting them into specific control operations. These include multi-dimensional control functions such as gimbal attitude adjustment, AI target tracking target selection, image shooting mode switching, and system function parameter configuration, achieving precise mapping of ground terminal operations.

[0057] In other embodiments, please refer to Figure 1 The UAV mounting bracket includes a support unit 20, legs 30 located at the bottom of the support unit 20, and a first arm 11 and a second arm 12 located on both sides of the support unit 20. The support unit 20 is used to connect to the fuselage of the target UAV, and the legs 30 are used to provide support for the take-off and landing of the target UAV. The first arm 11 and the second arm 12 are used to carry different components of the UAV's post-installed imaging system. The support unit 20 is used to mount the target UAV fuselage, and the legs provide stable support during take-off and landing, functioning as landing gear to prevent the fuselage from being impacted by the ground. Furthermore, the first arm 11 and the second arm 12, located on opposite sides of the support unit 20, can flexibly carry various components of the UAV's post-installed imaging system, such as infrared thermal imaging modules, laser designators, and main control modules 82 added to expand the UAV's infrared thermal imaging capabilities. Thus, the design of the UAV mounting bracket satisfies the independent installation space requirements of each component and optimizes the center of gravity balance of the UAV during flight through symmetrical load distribution.

[0058] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A retrofit imaging system for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), characterized in that, It includes a mounting bracket (10), an imaging module (40), and a main control module (82); the top of the mounting bracket (10) is used to connect to the fuselage of the target UAV, and the bottom of the mounting bracket (10) is provided with a support leg (30) to provide support for the take-off and landing of the target UAV. The imaging module (40) and the main control module (82) are connected to the bottom of the mounting bracket (10) and avoid the support leg (30), and the imaging module (40) and the main control module (82) are communicatively connected.

2. The UAV retrofit imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The imaging module (40) and the main control module (82) are integrated into one unit; or, The imaging module (40) and the main control module (82) are separately configured and located on both sides of the support leg (30).

3. The UAV retrofit imaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The imaging module (40) includes a gimbal (80) connected to the bottom of the mounting bracket (10) and a camera module (81) connected to the gimbal (80). The camera module (81) is communicatively connected to the main control module (82). The camera module (81) includes at least one of an infrared module, a visible light module, and a low-light module.

4. The UAV retrofit imaging system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The imaging module (40) also includes a laser pointer, which is integrated inside the camera module (81) or fixedly connected to the camera module (81).

5. The UAV retrofit imaging system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting bracket (10) includes a support part (20) and a first arm (11) and a second arm (12) respectively disposed on both sides of the support part (20). The support part (20) is used to connect with the fuselage of the target UAV. The first arm (11) and the second arm (12) are used to mount and connect the imaging module (40) and the main control module (82) respectively.

6. The UAV retrofit imaging system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The supporting part (20) is provided with connecting structures (50) at its opposite ends; The UAV rear-mounted imaging system also includes a strap-type connector (51), which is used to wrap around the upper part of the target UAV and is connected at both ends to the connection structure (50). Alternatively, one end of the supporting part (20) may be provided with a connecting structure (50); The UAV rear-mounted imaging system also includes a strap-type connector (51), one end of which is fixedly connected to the carrier (20), and the other end is connected to the connection structure (50) after passing around the fuselage of the target UAV.

7. The UAV retrofit imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a remote controller (90), which is communicatively connected to the main control module (82) to control the imaging module (40) through the remote controller (90).

8. The UAV retrofit imaging system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The remote controller (90) includes a housing (91), a control board (92) housed in the housing (91), and a display screen (93). The control board (92) is communicatively connected to the main control module (82), and the display screen (93) is used to display image data acquired by the imaging module (40).

9. The UAV retrofit imaging system according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a thrower (70) mounted on the outrigger (30); The thrower (70) includes a cylinder (71) and a telescopic rod (72) connected to the cylinder (71). The cylinder (71) is fixed to one leg (30), and a locking part (73) is provided on the other leg (30) at a position corresponding to the cylinder (71). The telescopic rod (72) includes a locked state in which it extends out of the cylinder (71) and is inserted into the locking part (73), and an unlocked state in which it exits the locking part (73) and retracts into the cylinder (71).

10. A mounting bracket for a drone, characterized in that, The UAV afterloading imaging system as described in any one of claims 1-9 includes a support unit (20), a support leg (30) disposed at the bottom of the support unit (20), and a first support arm (11) and a second support arm (12) disposed on both sides of the support unit (20). The support unit (20) is used to connect with the fuselage of the target UAV, the support leg (30) is used to provide support for the take-off and landing of the target UAV, and the first support arm (11) and the second support arm (12) are used to respectively carry different components of the UAV afterloading imaging system.

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