Method for remotely controlling infrared remote control product

Abstract

The invention discloses a method and a system for remotely controlling an infrared remote control product. The method comprises the following steps: controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle to carry a radio frequency infrared conversion module and an infrared transmitting device to fly to an effective infrared control distance range of a target infrared remote control product and hover; the radio frequency infrared conversion module is used for receiving a radio frequency control instruction sent by a radio frequency remote controller, and converting the received radio frequency control instruction into a corresponding infrared control signal; and controlling the infrared emission device to emit the infrared control signal to the target infrared remote control product so as to realize remote control of the target infrared remote control product. According to the technical scheme, remote safety control of the high-altitude infrared equipment can be realized under the condition that the power consumption of the target equipment is not increased, the maintenance efficiency of the high-altitude equipment is improved, and the operation safety risk is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the fields of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) control, radio frequency communication, and infrared remote control technology, and in particular to a method and system for achieving long-distance control of infrared remote control products. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, bird deterrent lights are typically installed on power lines, transmission towers, utility poles, and communication towers to prevent birds from polluting lines, causing short circuits, or other safety hazards. These bird deterrent lights usually have multiple operating modes, such as different flashing modes or sound and light combinations, to adapt to bird deterrence needs in different environments. Therefore, the operating mode often needs to be adjusted according to the actual situation during equipment operation.

[0003] Because small, multi-functional intelligent bird-repelling warning lights are typically installed at high locations such as the tops of iron towers or utility poles, their installation height is generally above 15 meters. To ensure long-term stable operation in outdoor environments, these devices usually use photovoltaic power supply. However, due to the small size of the equipment and the limited area of ​​the photovoltaic modules, the power supply capacity is limited under continuous cloudy and rainy weather conditions. To ensure that the equipment can work continuously for multiple cloudy and rainy days, it is necessary to minimize the overall power consumption of the equipment. Therefore, the control method usually adopts the low-power infrared remote control method, rather than the high-power radio frequency remote control module.

[0004] However, infrared remote control typically requires operation at a relatively close distance, with an effective control range generally only 5 to 8 meters. When bird deterrent lights are installed on top of iron towers or utility poles, ground operators have difficulty controlling them within the effective infrared control distance, making it impossible to switch modes or adjust parameters using conventional remote control methods.

[0005] In existing applications, controlling bird-repelling warning lights installed at heights typically requires workers to climb power towers or utility poles to reach the vicinity of the equipment after a power outage, and then operate it using an infrared remote control. However, this method is not only complex and time-consuming, but also poses significant safety hazards. Furthermore, in some power facility scenarios, power outages can lead to additional operational risks or economic losses. Therefore, how to achieve long-distance safe control of bird-repelling warning lights installed at heights while ensuring low power consumption has become a pressing technical problem to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This application provides a method for long-distance control of infrared remote control products, aiming to address the technical problem of long-distance safety control of bird deterrent lights installed at high altitudes, where existing technologies can no longer guarantee low-power device design.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application provide a method for realizing long-distance control of infrared remote control products, including: Control the drone carrying the radio frequency infrared conversion module and infrared transmitter to fly within the effective infrared control distance range of the target infrared remote control product and hover; The radio frequency infrared conversion module receives radio frequency control commands from a radio frequency remote controller and converts the received radio frequency control commands into corresponding infrared control signals. The infrared transmitter is controlled to transmit the infrared control signal to the target infrared remote control product in order to achieve remote control of the target infrared remote control product.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, embodiments of this application also propose a system for realizing long-distance control of infrared remote control products, comprising: Radio frequency (RF) remote control, used to issue RF control commands; A drone is used to carry the radio frequency infrared conversion module and the infrared transmitter to fly within the effective infrared control distance range of the target infrared remote control product and hover. A radio frequency infrared conversion module, mounted on the drone, is used to receive the radio frequency control commands issued by the radio frequency remote controller and convert the radio frequency control commands into corresponding infrared control signals; An infrared transmitter, mounted on the UAV, is used to transmit the infrared control signal to the target infrared remote control product; At least one target infrared remote control product is used to receive the infrared control signal and respond to execute the corresponding control command.

[0009] The technical solution provided in this application constructs a segmented control link around a target device installed at a high altitude that only supports infrared control. During operation, ground personnel do not directly control the target device via infrared. Instead, they first control a drone carrying a radio frequency infrared conversion module and an infrared transmitter to fly near the target device and hover within its effective infrared control range. Once the drone is in a suitable position, the ground radio frequency remote controller issues a control command. The radio frequency infrared conversion module on the drone receives this command and converts it into an infrared control signal recognizable by the target device. The infrared transmitter then transmits this infrared control signal towards the target device, thus completing long-range control of the target device. This control process does not simply extend the ground remote control distance; rather, it separates the previously distinct long-range transmission and near-field execution: the longer-distance information transmission is handled by the radio frequency link, while control execution near the target is completed by the infrared link, which is essentially a short-range wireless communication.

[0010] The key limitation of infrared control lies not in the inability to generate commands, but in the requirement for a close proximity and suitable transmission position between the infrared transmitter and the target device. When there is a significant height difference between the ground and the elevated device, even if the ground-based infrared remote controller can send a control signal, it is difficult to reach the target device within the effective range, thus rendering control actions impossible. Once the drone approaches the target device, the spatial conditions required for infrared control are restored between the infrared transmitter and the target device. The target device then receives the infrared signal it can already recognize, eliminating the need to add a high-power radio frequency receiver module to the target device or modify the existing power supply and control structure. Simultaneously, command transmission between the ground and the drone uses radio frequency, allowing operators to perform control actions from the ground without climbing to a height to approach the device. In other words, the distance limitation for control implementation is broken down into two different levels of transmission problems, each handled by a more suitable communication method: radio frequency for long-range operations and infrared for short-range operations. Through this spatial reconstruction and signal conversion, high-altitude infrared control, which was originally impossible to perform directly from the ground, is transformed into local infrared control that can be executed near the target equipment. This allows high-altitude equipment to remain operable while maintaining a low-power configuration. In this way, not only is the control path more executable, but the additional burden on the maintenance process caused by high-risk operations such as climbing and power outages is also avoided. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the method for long-distance control of infrared remote control products according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a system for remotely controlling infrared remote control products according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0014] 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 a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0015] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0016] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "first" and "second" in this invention is for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the term "and / or" throughout the text includes three solutions; taking A and / or B as an example, it includes technical solution A, technical solution B, and a technical solution that simultaneously satisfies A and B. Furthermore, the technical solutions of various embodiments can be combined with each other, provided that they are feasible for those skilled in the art. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0017] One embodiment of this application provides a method for realizing long-distance control of infrared remote control products. Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for implementing long-distance control of an infrared remote control product according to an embodiment of this application. In this embodiment, the method includes: Control the drone carrying the radio frequency infrared conversion module and infrared transmitter to fly within the effective infrared control distance range of the target infrared remote control product and hover; The radio frequency infrared conversion module receives radio frequency control commands from a radio frequency remote controller and converts the received radio frequency control commands into corresponding infrared control signals. The infrared transmitter is controlled to transmit the infrared control signal to the target infrared remote control product in order to achieve remote control of the target infrared remote control product.

[0018] In practical implementation, the target infrared remote control product can be a device installed on a tower, utility pole, communication tower, or other high location, controlled by infrared technology. In some implementations, it can be a small, multi-functional intelligent bird-repelling warning light. During implementation, the radio frequency infrared conversion module and infrared transmitter are first installed on a drone, allowing the drone to move as an aerial carrier of the infrared control signal. Then, the operator on the ground controls the drone to fly towards the location of the target infrared remote control product and hover within its effective infrared control range. The effective infrared control range refers to the spatial range between the infrared transmitter on the drone and the target infrared remote control product where the infrared signal can be stably received. For example, if the target device is a bird-repelling warning light installed on the top of a utility pole approximately 20 meters high, the drone can fly to a position 3 to 5 meters away and hover. Subsequently, the operator issues control commands via the radio frequency remote controller, such as a command to switch the flashing mode of the bird-repelling warning light. The radio frequency infrared conversion module on the drone receives the radio frequency control command, identifies and converts it, and generates an infrared encoded signal corresponding to the target infrared remote control product. The infrared transmitter then transmits this infrared encoded signal towards the target infrared remote control product. Since the infrared transmission is performed near the target device, the target infrared remote control product can receive the corresponding signal and execute the corresponding control action under normal infrared reception conditions. This allows ground personnel to remotely control high-altitude infrared devices through a combination of radio frequency transmission and short-range wireless communication without having to climb to a high place.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present invention, during the process of the UAV flying to the effective infrared control distance range of the target infrared remote control product, images of the environment surrounding the target infrared remote control product are collected, and environmental feature information is extracted based on the collected images, and the environmental feature information is used as basic environmental data storage. After the infrared control signal is transmitted, the current image of the environment around the target infrared remote control product is acquired in real time, and the current environmental feature information is extracted based on the current image and used as the current environmental data. The current environmental data is compared and analyzed with the basic environmental data, and the drone is controlled to execute a hovering strategy or a departure strategy based on the comparison and analysis results.

[0020] Specifically, as the drone gradually approaches the target device, its field of view stably covers the target device and its surrounding area, thereby acquiring continuous environmental image data. The acquired images are then analyzed and processed to extract environmental feature information reflecting the environmental state, such as the distribution, activity density, and flight direction of birds. This extracted feature information is then organized into environmental feature data, which is stored as basic environmental data. This basic environmental data characterizes the initial environmental state around the target device before the infrared control signal is emitted, providing a reference benchmark for subsequent environmental change assessments.

[0021] After the infrared control signal is transmitted, the UAV continues to capture real-time images of the environment surrounding the target device using its image acquisition device, acquiring new environmental image data. Then, using the same image analysis method as described above, it extracts new environmental feature information from the current images, such as changes in the number of birds, changes in flight trajectories, and whether there is a significant dispersion trend. The extracted results are then compiled into current environmental data. This current environmental data is then compared and analyzed with previously stored basic environmental data to determine if the environmental state has changed. When the comparison results show a significant change in environmental characteristics compared to the basic environmental data—for example, a significant decrease in the number of birds or a change in flight trajectories from clustered to dispersed away from the target device—it can be determined that the target device has responded to the infrared control signal, and the UAV can execute an departure strategy. When the comparison results show no significant change, it indicates that the environmental state has not changed significantly, and the UAV continues to hover to further observe the environment around the target device or execute subsequent control operations, thereby improving the reliability of the remote control process.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of acquiring images of the environment surrounding the target infrared remote control product and extracting environmental feature information based on the acquired images includes: When the drone enters the preset acquisition range of the target infrared remote control product, it begins to acquire images of the environment surrounding the target infrared remote control product. Based on the acquired images, the distribution density, flight direction, and flight trajectory of birds in the environment surrounding the target infrared remote control product are identified, and the distribution density, flight direction, and flight trajectory of the birds are used as the environmental feature information.

[0023] Specifically, in practice, the drone does not indiscriminately capture all images throughout its entire flight. Instead, environmental image acquisition for the target area only begins when the drone enters the preset acquisition range of the target infrared remote control product. Only when the distance between the drone and the target device is reduced to a certain range can the area surrounding the target device have sufficient resolution and recognition accuracy in the image. At this point, the captured image can stably cover the area of ​​bird activity near the target device, while avoiding excessive deviations in recognition results due to small targets or cluttered backgrounds at greater distances. The preset acquisition range can be set based on the field of view, resolution, and installation angle of the camera device on the drone, as well as the typical spatial scale of the target area; no specific limitations are imposed here.

[0024] Once the drone enters the designated area, the image acquisition device begins continuously capturing images of the environment surrounding the target device. These images are not isolated single shots, but rather continuous frames or short time-series images. Continuous acquisition is used because subsequent identification requires not only determining the presence of birds at a specific moment, but also their spatial distribution and temporal movement – ​​information that cannot be fully obtained from a single static frame. During acquisition, the camera's field of view should consistently cover the target device and a certain surrounding airspace or hovering area, allowing subsequent identification results to correlate with the target device's location. The surrounding environment should not be interpreted as an infinitely expanding external space, but rather as a localized area directly related to the target device's performance and reflecting bird activity. Only by controlling the acquisition area within a reasonable range can the extracted environmental features be comparable and representative.

[0025] When extracting environmental feature information from acquired images, bird targets can be identified first, followed by the extraction of their distribution density, flight direction, and flight trajectory. Bird identification can be understood as distinguishing birds from non-target information such as tower components, lines, tree branches, clouds, and sky background from continuously acquired environmental images, thereby determining the birds' positions in each image frame. After identification, the number of birds and their spatial dispersion within a predetermined spatial area around the target equipment can be counted to characterize the bird distribution density. This distribution density is not limited to simple counting; it can also reflect the number of birds per unit area, the degree of aggregation in different areas, or the concentrated state of their stay around the target equipment. The purpose is to reflect whether birds are staying or gathering in large numbers near the target equipment.

[0026] Flight direction extraction is based on positional changes between consecutive frames. Since the position of the same bird changes in adjacent images, its direction of motion can be determined by its movement from one position to the next. This direction can represent approaching, moving away from, or circling the target device, or it can represent a movement trend in a specific direction. Correspondingly, the flight trajectory is not a single instantaneous direction, but rather a path formed by connecting a series of positions the bird passes over a continuous period. In other words, the flight direction is more focused on the local instantaneous movement direction, while the flight trajectory is more focused on the overall movement process over a period of time. Using both as environmental feature information simultaneously helps distinguish between short-term disturbances and continuous behavioral changes. For example, a single directional change may not be sufficient to determine whether the bird has truly left the target area; however, combining the continuous trajectory allows for a clearer view of whether the bird is briefly adjusting its position around the target or has already formed a discrete movement away from the target device.

[0027] Saving bird distribution density, flight direction, and flight trajectory as environmental characteristic information effectively establishes a unified data representation for subsequent environmental state determination. These three types of information were chosen because they can describe bird activity around the target equipment from three levels: dwelling state, movement direction, and behavioral process. Simply recording the number of birds is often insufficient to distinguish whether they are gathering, circling, or leaving; recording only the flight direction may overlook the overall activity intensity within a local area. Combining all three provides a more complete description of the changing characteristics of the environmental state around the target equipment and is more suitable as input data for subsequent comparative analysis.

[0028] For example, in a specific implementation scenario, a drone flies towards a bird deterrent light installed on top of a pole. Once the drone enters the preset acquisition range, the camera device begins to continuously acquire images of the area around the light. Image analysis reveals that multiple birds are present within a certain range near the light, with most distributed around the crossbeams surrounding it, showing a clear clustering pattern in some areas. In the continuous images, the birds' movements are mostly characterized by small-scale movements around the target area, forming repeated approaching or circling trajectories. At this point, information such as the high number of birds, their clustering around the equipment, and their trajectories primarily located near the target can be extracted as environmental feature information for that moment. This information is not intended to describe the image content itself, but rather to be compared with new environmental data after subsequent infrared control is completed, thereby determining whether there have been significant changes in bird activity around the target equipment.

[0029] It should also be noted that the preset acquisition range is not the same as the effective infrared control distance range. They may overlap or partially overlap, but their functions are not entirely the same. The effective infrared control distance range emphasizes the control conditions under which the infrared signal can effectively reach the target device, while the preset acquisition range emphasizes the data acquisition conditions under which image acquisition and environmental recognition can be reliably completed. In practice, the acquisition range can be slightly larger than the infrared control range, allowing the UAV to begin accumulating environmental image data before entering the formal control position, which is more conducive to forming stable basic environmental data.

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, before the drone flies into the effective infrared control distance range of the target infrared remote control product, the method further includes: Images of the surrounding environment of the target infrared remote control product are collected, and the target infrared remote control product is identified and located based on the collected images to obtain the location information of the target infrared remote control product; Based on the location information of the target infrared remote control product and the effective transmission distance and transmission angle parameters of the infrared transmitter, the target hovering position of the UAV is determined, and the UAV is controlled to fly to the target hovering position. The target hovering position is within the effective infrared control distance range of the target infrared remote control product, and there is no obstruction between the infrared transmitter and the target infrared remote control product.

[0031] Specifically, because infrared control differs from general wide-area wireless transmission, its effectiveness depends not only on the distance between the transmitter and receiver, but also on their orientation, the transmission coverage angle, and the presence of obstructions. Therefore, identifying and locating the target infrared remote control product before the drone enters the effective infrared control range and prepares to transmit infrared signals is a crucial preliminary process for ensuring the stable execution of subsequent control actions.

[0032] In practice, the drone can acquire image data of the surrounding environment of the target device using an image acquisition device as it approaches the target area. This image acquisition is not merely for subsequent extraction of bird activity features, but serves to identify and spatially locate the target device itself. Since the target device is typically mounted on a pole, crossarm, bracket, or similar structure, the surrounding environment often contains complex backgrounds such as tower components, wires, insulators, and connectors. Simply having the drone fly to a general area is insufficient to ensure the infrared transmitter accurately points towards the target device. Therefore, it is necessary to identify the target infrared remote control product from the background in the acquired environmental images and further determine its position within the current image. Identification here can be understood as determining which object in the image is the target device to be controlled, while localization, based on identification, further obtains the spatial location information of the target device, such as its orientation within the image's field of view, its directional relationship relative to the drone, and its actual spatial location after combining this with the drone's own pose information.

[0033] To achieve this process, the target device's outline, color features, structural features, installation location features, or pre-stored target templates in the image can be used as identification criteria. For example, if the target device is a bird deterrent light, it typically has a relatively fixed appearance, installation location features, and relative relationship with the tower components. This information can distinguish it from tower components or other accessories. After target identification, the positional relationship between the target infrared remote control product and the drone can be calculated by combining the drone's own flight attitude information, camera installation parameters, and the target's orientation in the image, thus obtaining the target device's positional information. This positional information should not be narrowly interpreted as a single coordinate value; its essence lies in providing a spatial description that can be used for subsequent path adjustment and hovering positioning, allowing the system to know whether the target device is in front of, to the side of, or below the drone, as well as the approximate distance and angular relationship between the two.

[0034] After obtaining the target device's location information, the drone isn't simply allowed to land at any nearby location. Instead, the hovering position needs to be determined by considering the infrared transmitter's transmission capabilities. Infrared transmitters have effective transmission distance and angle parameters; infrared signals are more easily and stably received only when the target device is within the coverage area of ​​that transmission capability. If the distance between the drone and the target device is too great, the transmission strength will be insufficient, and the target device may not receive effective control signals. Conversely, even if the distance is close enough, if the transmission direction deviates from the target device, or if the target device is outside the transmission angle coverage area, the infrared signal may also fail to reach it effectively. Therefore, determining the target hovering position involves deriving a suitable drone position for infrared transmission based on the target device's location and the infrared transmitter's spatial coverage capabilities.

[0035] The target hovering position should typically meet two conditions simultaneously. First, the position must be within the effective infrared control range of the target infrared remote control product; that is, the infrared signal emitted from this position must have sufficient transmission distance to be received by the target device. Second, there must be no obstruction between the infrared transmitter and the target device; that is, there must be no crossarms, tower materials, wires, supports, or other obstacles blocking the infrared signal propagation along the transmission path. Because infrared control has strong directionality and visible path characteristics, even if the distance requirement is met, if there is a significant obstruction in the transmission path, the infrared signal may still be blocked or weakened, leading to control failure.

[0036] When controlling the UAV to hover over the target, the aforementioned identification and positioning results can be used as a basis for path adjustment. This allows the UAV to continuously correct its position and attitude as it approaches the target device until the target device enters the effective emission area of ​​the infrared transmitter and maintains a suitable orientation. Flight control here does not necessarily require precise positioning in one go; it can also be a process of gradual approach, identification, correction, and positioning while flying.

[0037] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of comparing and analyzing the current environmental data with the basic environmental data, and controlling the UAV to execute a hovering strategy or a departure strategy based on the comparison and analysis results, includes: Based on the basic environmental data and the current environmental data, the changes in the distribution density and flight trajectory direction of birds in the environment surrounding the target infrared remote control product are extracted respectively. If the change in the distribution density of the birds does not exceed the preset density threshold, or if the trend of the change in the flight trajectory direction is towards the target infrared remote control product, then it is determined that the target infrared remote control product does not respond to the infrared control signal, and the drone is controlled to execute a hovering strategy. If the change in the distribution density of the birds exceeds the preset density threshold, and the trend of the change in the flight trajectory direction is diverging from the target infrared remote control product, then it is determined that the target infrared remote control product has responded to the infrared control signal and controlled the drone to execute the departure strategy.

[0038] Specifically, the basic environmental data records the activity status of birds around the target device before the infrared control signal is emitted, while the current environmental data reflects the real-time bird activity in the same area after the infrared control signal is emitted. By analyzing the two sets of data, the changes in bird distribution density and the trend of flight trajectory direction can be extracted to determine whether the environmental conditions have changed significantly. The changes in distribution density can be obtained by statistically analyzing the changes in the number of birds in the predetermined observation area around the target device, for example, by calculating the difference or percentage change between the current number of birds and the number of birds in the basic state; the trend of flight trajectory direction can be determined by analyzing the movement paths formed by the changes in bird positions in continuous images, for example, analyzing whether the overall movement of the birds tends to approach the target device or gradually move away from the area where the target device is located.

[0039] When the analysis results indicate that the change in bird distribution density does not exceed the preset density threshold, it means that the number of birds in the target area has not decreased significantly, or although the number of birds has changed, the degree of change is still within the normal fluctuation range. Furthermore, if the flight trajectory shows a trend of converging towards the target device or continuing to move near the target area, it can be considered that the current environmental state has not changed significantly compared to before infrared control. In this case, it can be inferred that the target infrared remote control product has not yet responded effectively to the infrared control signal; for example, the bird deterrent device has not successfully switched to the new working mode or the bird deterrent effect has not yet been demonstrated. Therefore, the drone is kept hovering to continue observing environmental changes or performing subsequent control operations. The hovering strategy aims to keep the drone in a suitable position to continue performing infrared control without having to undergo a long flight again, thereby improving control efficiency.

[0040] Conversely, when the comparative analysis shows that the change in bird distribution density exceeds a preset density threshold, it indicates a significant reduction in the number of birds that were previously gathered or perched around the target device. Furthermore, combined with continuous image analysis, it reveals that the bird flight trajectories show a trend of gradually moving away from the target device, meaning the birds' movement direction is generally moving outwards from the vicinity of the target device. This suggests that the target infrared remote control product has responded to the infrared control signal. For example, after the bird deterrent light's working mode is successfully switched, the enhanced light or sound bird deterrent effect may cause birds that were previously perched near the device to quickly leave the area. In this case, the image not only shows a reduction in the number of birds but also a change in their flight trajectories from gathering or circling to dispersing towards the outer area. In this situation, it can be determined that the control command has achieved its intended purpose, and therefore, there is no need to remain at that location to perform additional operations. The drone can execute its departure strategy according to the established mission flow, such as continuing to fly to other target device locations or returning to its starting position. In this way, the system can indirectly judge the control results based on environmental changes, allowing the drone to autonomously decide whether to continue staying or end the current mission based on actual environmental feedback.

[0041] It should be noted that, in specific implementation, the preset density threshold can be set based on historical environmental data or on-site test results. For example, when the number of birds in the target area decreases by more than 30% compared with the basic environmental data, it can be determined that the change in the distribution density of the birds exceeds the preset density threshold.

[0042] In one embodiment of the present invention, during the execution of the hovering strategy, the method further includes: After a preset waiting time, the infrared transmitter is controlled to transmit the infrared control signal to the target infrared remote control product again. After retransmitting the infrared control signal, the current image of the environment surrounding the target infrared remote control product is re-acquired, and the re-acquired current environmental data is compared and analyzed with the basic environmental data. If the change in the distribution density of the birds exceeds the preset density threshold, and the trend of the change in the flight trajectory direction is away from the diffusion trend of the target infrared remote control product, then the drone is controlled to switch to the departure strategy; if the comparison and analysis results still do not meet the conditions for executing the departure strategy, then the above re-issuance and comparison and analysis steps are repeated. If the number of times the infrared control signal is resent reaches the preset resentment limit, an abnormal alarm message is generated and the drone is controlled to execute an exit strategy.

[0043] Specifically, to prevent the infrared control signal from failing to execute correctly due to occasional factors, the infrared control action can be triggered again after a preset waiting time during hovering. This waiting time can be understood as a buffer period for the target device to complete mode switching or for the bird-repelling effect to gradually appear, such as waiting for several seconds to tens of seconds, to ensure that environmental changes can be captured by subsequent image acquisition.

[0044] After the waiting time ends, the system again controls the infrared transmitter to send an infrared control signal to the target device, thus completing a retransmission operation. The purpose of the retransmission is to increase the probability of successful execution of the control command. For example, during the initial transmission, control may fail due to instantaneous attitude changes, signal angle deviations, or the target device not being in an effective receiving state at the moment of transmission. After the retransmission is completed, the UAV again acquires real-time images of the environment surrounding the target device through the image acquisition device, and extracts environmental feature information such as bird distribution density and flight trajectory changes in the same manner as described above. Then, the newly acquired current environmental data is compared and analyzed again with the initially recorded basic environmental data. In this way, it can be determined whether the environment surrounding the target device has changed significantly after the retransmission of the infrared control signal.

[0045] If the new comparison results show that the change in bird distribution density has exceeded the preset density threshold, and the overall flight trajectory of the birds shows a trend of spreading away from the target device, it indicates that the target device has achieved a significant bird-repelling effect, meaning that the target device has responded to the infrared control command. At this point, the drone no longer needs to remain at that location, and the current mission status can be switched to an evacuation strategy, allowing the drone to leave the current device area and continue performing subsequent tasks. If no significant change is observed after a second comparison, it indicates that the current retransmission operation has not achieved the expected effect. In this case, the system can continue to repeat the step of retransmitting infrared control signals and comparing them with environmental data, improving the control success rate through multiple attempts.

[0046] Meanwhile, to prevent the drone from lingering near a single device for extended periods, thus affecting overall mission efficiency or increasing flight risks, a limit can be set on the number of retransmissions. When the preset limit for retransmissions of infrared control signals is reached, even if the environmental conditions do not meet the departure requirements, repeated retransmissions will cease. Instead, an abnormal alarm message will be generated, such as recording a possible reception anomaly or equipment malfunction, and this information will be transmitted to the ground control terminal. Simultaneously, the drone will terminate its current control attempt and execute the departure strategy. In this way, not only can the success rate of remote control be improved in most cases through the retransmission mechanism, but it can also promptly exit the current mission node when multiple control failures occur, thereby ensuring the continuity and safety of the overall drone mission process.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, the step of extracting the changes in the distribution density and flight trajectory direction of birds in the environment surrounding the target infrared remote control product includes: Based on the bird distribution density recorded in the basic environmental data and the bird distribution density identified in the current environmental data, the change in bird distribution density is calculated. The system analyzes multiple consecutively acquired current images, compares the position changes of the bird in adjacent frames to determine the direction of the bird's flight trajectory, and determines the trend of the flight trajectory direction change based on the relative relationship between the direction of the bird's flight trajectory and the position of the target infrared remote control product.

[0048] Specifically, the baseline environmental data reflects the bird distribution in the area surrounding the target device before the infrared control signal is emitted, while the current environmental data reflects the real-time bird activity in the same area after the infrared control signal is emitted. By statistically calculating the number of birds or the number of birds per unit area recorded in both datasets, the change in bird distribution density between the two time points can be obtained, thus yielding the change in bird distribution density. This change can be obtained by directly calculating the difference between the two statistical results, or by calculating the ratio of the current bird count to the baseline bird count. A large change indicates a significant reduction in the number of birds around the target device; a small change indicates that the environmental conditions remain close to their original state.

[0049] Simultaneously, further analysis of the birds' movement is needed to avoid misjudgments based solely on numerical changes. To this end, sequence analysis can be performed on multiple consecutively acquired environmental images. By matching the bird's position across different image frames, the bird's movement path in the time series can be recorded. Specifically, the positions of the same bird in adjacent image frames can be correlated to obtain the bird's displacement direction within a short period. Connecting multiple consecutive displacement directions forms the bird's trajectory in space. This determines the bird's flight trajectory direction, i.e., the main orientation of the bird's overall movement. Subsequently, this flight trajectory direction is compared with the position of the target device in the image to determine whether the bird's movement direction is approaching or moving away from the target device. For example, if the bird's movement path generally extends from near the target device outwards, it can be determined that the bird's flight trajectory direction shows a diffusion trend away from the target device; if the bird's movement path is still mainly concentrated near the target device, or the movement direction points towards the area where the target device is located, then the bird's movement trend can be considered to still show a clustering state.

[0050] In one embodiment of the present invention, the departure strategy includes: Determine whether the currently described target infrared remote control product is the last target infrared remote control product in the preset access sequence; If the current target infrared remote control product is not the last target infrared remote control product in the preset access sequence, then the UAV is controlled to move to the effective infrared control distance range of the next target infrared remote control product in the preset access sequence, and the reception, conversion of the radio frequency control command and the transmission of the infrared control signal are repeatedly executed for the next target infrared remote control product. If the currently selected target infrared remote control product is the last target infrared remote control product in the preset access sequence, then the drone is controlled to return to home.

[0051] Specifically, a departure strategy doesn't simply mean the drone leaving its current location; rather, it requires determining subsequent flight behavior based on a predetermined mission schedule. Before the mission begins, an access sequence can be pre-established. This sequence records multiple target devices that require sequential control operations, and their access order is determined based on their spatial location, inspection sequence, or mission planning results. The access sequence can be understood as a list of target devices that the drone needs to access sequentially during a single operation. This allows the drone to complete remote control tasks one by one along a predetermined path, without having to return to the starting point and replan its flight path after each control operation.

[0052] After the UAV completes the control task of the current target device, the system first determines the device's position in the preset access sequence. If the target device is not the last device in the access sequence, it means that there are other target devices in the current task that have not yet been controlled. At this time, the UAV determines the location of the next target device to be accessed according to the order recorded in the access sequence and flies from the current position to the vicinity of the target device. When the UAV approaches the next target device and enters its effective infrared control range, it can execute the same control process again, including receiving control commands from the ground radio frequency remote controller, converting the radio frequency control commands into corresponding infrared control signals through the radio frequency infrared conversion module, and transmitting infrared control signals to the target device using the infrared transmitter, thereby completing the remote control operation of the next device. In this way, the UAV can continuously complete the control operations of multiple devices in a single flight mission, improving overall operational efficiency.

[0053] When the system determines that the current target device is the last device in the access sequence, it means that all predetermined devices in this mission have completed control operations, and there is no need to travel to a new target location. The UAV can then perform a return-to-home operation according to the preset flight strategy, such as returning to the takeoff position or returning to the preset parking point. By setting an access sequence and combining it with a departure strategy, the UAV can automatically determine the subsequent mission path after completing the control of a single device, thus forming a continuous operation process, avoiding repeated takeoffs and landings or manual intervention, and improving the operational efficiency and automation level of the remote control system in multi-device scenarios.

[0054] In one embodiment of the present invention, the target infrared remote control product is multiple, and the method further includes: The location information of multiple target infrared remote control products is obtained in advance. Based on the location information of each target infrared remote control product and the starting position of the UAV, the access order of the UAV to the multiple target infrared remote control products is planned and the corresponding flight path is generated. According to the access order, the drone is controlled to fly sequentially along the flight path to the effective infrared control distance range of each of the target infrared remote control products, and the radio frequency control command is received, converted and the infrared control signal is transmitted for each of the target infrared remote control products; After transmitting infrared control signals to all the target infrared remote control products, the drone is controlled to return to its home location.

[0055] In practical applications, target infrared remote control products are often not single devices, but rather multiple devices distributed along power lines, towers, or other facilities. Therefore, before executing remote control tasks, it is essential to obtain the location information of these target devices. Location information can be obtained through device installation records, on-site survey data, or a pre-established device location database, describing the relative spatial relationships of each device. After obtaining the locations of multiple target devices, combined with the drone's starting position, overall task planning can be performed for each target device. By analyzing the spatial distribution relationships between the devices, a reasonable access sequence can be determined, and the drone's flight path can be generated accordingly. This allows the drone to access each target device sequentially in a predetermined order during a single flight mission, reducing unnecessary round trips and thus improving overall operational efficiency.

[0056] After completing the access sequence and flight path planning, the UAV flies sequentially to the vicinity of each target device according to the generated path. When the UAV enters the effective infrared control range of a target device, it can execute the corresponding control process, including receiving control commands from the radio frequency remote controller, converting the control commands into corresponding infrared control signals through the radio frequency infrared conversion module, and then transmitting infrared signals to the target device through the infrared transmitter, causing the target device to perform the corresponding control operation. After completing the control of the current device, the UAV continues to fly to the next target device according to the pre-planned access sequence and repeats the above control process until all target devices in the access sequence have completed the control operation.

[0057] Once the drone has completed the control tasks for all target devices according to the predetermined flight path, the remote control mission is considered complete, and there is no need for it to remain in the work area. The drone can then execute a return-to-home operation according to the preset flight strategy, such as returning to the takeoff position or the designated landing area. In this way, the drone can continuously complete the remote infrared control of multiple target devices in a single flight mission, reducing the time cost of manual operation and making the overall control process more continuous and efficient.

[0058] The method for implementing long-distance control of infrared remote control products in the embodiments of the present invention has been described above. The system for implementing long-distance control of infrared remote control products in the embodiments of the present invention is described below. Please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 2One embodiment of the system for long-distance control of infrared remote control products according to the present invention includes: Radio frequency remote controller 1, used to issue radio frequency control commands; The drone 2 is used to carry the radio frequency infrared conversion module 3 and the infrared transmitter 4 to fly to the effective infrared control distance range of the target infrared remote control product 5 and hover. The radio frequency infrared conversion module 3 is mounted on the drone 2 and is used to receive the radio frequency control command issued by the radio frequency remote controller and convert the radio frequency control command into the corresponding infrared control signal; Infrared transmitter 4, mounted on the UAV 2, is used to transmit the infrared control signal to the target infrared remote control product; At least one target infrared remote control product 5 is used to receive the infrared control signal and respond to execute the corresponding control command.

[0059] In some embodiments, the UAV 2 is further provided with an image acquisition device 21, such as a camera or other image acquisition component, for acquiring images of the environment surrounding the target infrared remote control product 5, so as to identify the location of the target device and obtain the characteristic information of the environment surrounding the target device, thereby assisting the UAV in determining the hovering position and determining whether the target device has responded to the control signal.

[0060] In some implementations, the target infrared remote control product 5 can be an infrared control device installed at a high location such as a power transmission tower, utility pole, or communication tower. Examples include small, multi-functional intelligent bird deterrent lights, infrared control warning devices, or other devices that use infrared remote control for switching operating modes. These devices are typically installed at high locations and rely on infrared signals for control; therefore, using a drone equipped with an infrared transmitter allows for effective infrared signal transmission near the device.

[0061] The radio frequency infrared conversion module 3 and the infrared emitting device 4 are in such a way as Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the components can be assembled within the same housing to form an integrated control assembly, which can be fixedly mounted on the fuselage or gimbal bracket of the drone 2. The radio frequency infrared conversion module 3 receives wireless control signals from the radio frequency remote controller 1, decodes and converts the received signals to generate corresponding infrared control signals, while the infrared transmitter 4 transmits the generated infrared control signals as infrared light to the target infrared remote control product 5. By integrating the radio frequency infrared conversion module 3 and the infrared transmitter 4 into a single structure, the device size and wiring can be reduced, the stability of the device can be improved, and it is easier to install on a drone platform.

[0062] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for achieving long-distance control of infrared remote control products, characterized in that, include: Control the drone carrying the radio frequency infrared conversion module and infrared transmitter to fly within the effective infrared control distance range of the target infrared remote control product and hover; The radio frequency infrared conversion module receives radio frequency control commands from a radio frequency remote controller and converts the received radio frequency control commands into corresponding infrared control signals. The infrared transmitter is controlled to transmit the infrared control signal to the target infrared remote control product in order to achieve remote control of the target infrared remote control product.

2. The method for realizing long-distance control of infrared remote control products according to claim 1, characterized in that, include: During the process of the UAV flying to the effective infrared control distance range of the target infrared remote control product, images of the surrounding environment of the target infrared remote control product are collected, and environmental feature information is extracted based on the collected images, and the environmental feature information is used as basic environmental data storage. After the infrared control signal is transmitted, the current image of the environment around the target infrared remote control product is acquired in real time, and the current environmental feature information is extracted based on the current image and used as the current environmental data. The current environmental data is compared and analyzed with the basic environmental data, and the drone is controlled to execute a hovering strategy or a departure strategy based on the comparison and analysis results.

3. The method for realizing long-distance control of infrared remote control products according to claim 2, characterized in that, The process of acquiring images of the environment surrounding the target infrared remote control product and extracting environmental feature information based on the acquired images includes: When the drone enters the preset acquisition range of the target infrared remote control product, it begins to acquire images of the environment surrounding the target infrared remote control product. Based on the acquired images, the distribution density, flight direction, and flight trajectory of birds in the environment surrounding the target infrared remote control product are identified, and the distribution density, flight direction, and flight trajectory of the birds are used as the environmental feature information.

4. The method for realizing long-distance control of infrared remote control products according to claim 2, characterized in that, Before the drone flies into the effective infrared control distance range of the target infrared remote control product, the method further includes: Images of the surrounding environment of the target infrared remote control product are collected, and the target infrared remote control product is identified and located based on the collected images to obtain the location information of the target infrared remote control product; Based on the location information of the target infrared remote control product and the effective transmission distance and transmission angle parameters of the infrared transmitter, the target hovering position of the UAV is determined, and the UAV is controlled to fly to the target hovering position. The target hovering position is within the effective infrared control distance range of the target infrared remote control product, and there is no obstruction between the infrared transmitter and the target infrared remote control product.

5. The method for realizing long-distance control of infrared remote control products according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of comparing and analyzing the current environmental data with the basic environmental data, and controlling the UAV to execute a hovering strategy or a departure strategy based on the comparison and analysis results, includes: Based on the basic environmental data and the current environmental data, the changes in the distribution density and flight trajectory direction of birds in the environment surrounding the target infrared remote control product are extracted respectively. If the change in the distribution density of the birds does not exceed the preset density threshold, or if the trend of the change in the flight trajectory direction is towards the target infrared remote control product, then it is determined that the target infrared remote control product does not respond to the infrared control signal, and the drone is controlled to execute a hovering strategy. If the change in the distribution density of the birds exceeds the preset density threshold, and the trend of the change in the flight trajectory direction is diverging from the target infrared remote control product, then it is determined that the target infrared remote control product has responded to the infrared control signal and controlled the drone to execute the departure strategy.

6. The method for realizing long-distance control of infrared remote control products according to claim 5, characterized in that, During the execution of the hovering strategy, the method further includes: After a preset waiting time, the infrared transmitter is controlled to transmit the infrared control signal to the target infrared remote control product again. After retransmitting the infrared control signal, the current image of the environment surrounding the target infrared remote control product is re-acquired, and the re-acquired current environmental data is compared and analyzed with the basic environmental data. If the change in the distribution density of the birds exceeds the preset density threshold, and the trend of the change in the flight trajectory direction is away from the diffusion trend of the target infrared remote control product, then the drone is controlled to switch to the departure strategy; if the comparison and analysis results still do not meet the conditions for executing the departure strategy, then the above re-issuance and comparison and analysis steps are repeated. If the number of times the infrared control signal is resent reaches the preset resentment limit, an abnormal alarm message is generated and the drone is controlled to execute an exit strategy.

7. The method for realizing long-distance control of infrared remote control products according to claim 5, characterized in that, The extraction of the distribution density changes and flight trajectory direction changes of birds in the environment surrounding the target infrared remote control product includes: Based on the bird distribution density recorded in the basic environmental data and the bird distribution density identified in the current environmental data, the change in bird distribution density is calculated. The system analyzes multiple consecutively acquired current images, compares the position changes of the bird in adjacent frames to determine the direction of the bird's flight trajectory, and determines the trend of the flight trajectory direction change based on the relative relationship between the direction of the bird's flight trajectory and the position of the target infrared remote control product.

8. The method for realizing long-distance control of infrared remote control products according to claim 5, characterized in that, The exit strategy includes: Determine whether the currently described target infrared remote control product is the last target infrared remote control product in the preset access sequence; If the current target infrared remote control product is not the last target infrared remote control product in the preset access sequence, then the UAV is controlled to move to the effective infrared control distance range of the next target infrared remote control product in the preset access sequence, and the reception, conversion of the radio frequency control command and the transmission of the infrared control signal are repeatedly executed for the next target infrared remote control product. If the currently selected target infrared remote control product is the last target infrared remote control product in the preset access sequence, then the drone is controlled to return to home.

9. The method for realizing long-distance control of infrared remote control products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The target infrared remote control products are multiple, and the method further includes: The location information of multiple target infrared remote control products is obtained in advance. Based on the location information of each target infrared remote control product and the starting position of the UAV, the access order of the UAV to the multiple target infrared remote control products is planned and the corresponding flight path is generated. According to the access order, the drone is controlled to fly sequentially along the flight path to the effective infrared control distance range of each of the target infrared remote control products, and the radio frequency control command is received, converted and the infrared control signal is transmitted for each of the target infrared remote control products; After transmitting infrared control signals to all the target infrared remote control products, the drone is controlled to return to its home location.

10. A system for realizing long-distance control of infrared remote control products, characterized in that, include: Radio frequency (RF) remote control, used to issue RF control commands; A drone is used to carry the radio frequency infrared conversion module and the infrared transmitter to fly within the effective infrared control distance range of the target infrared remote control product and hover. A radio frequency infrared conversion module, mounted on the drone, is used to receive the radio frequency control commands issued by the radio frequency remote controller and convert the radio frequency control commands into corresponding infrared control signals; An infrared transmitter, mounted on the UAV, is used to transmit the infrared control signal to the target infrared remote control product; At least one target infrared remote control product is used to receive the infrared control signal and respond to execute the corresponding control command.

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