Adaptive Aerial Survey Control for Real-Time Coverage Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial surveys face challenges due to changing conditions such as cloud obstruction and turbulence, which can result in defective imagery that requires additional flights to retake, leading to increased costs and delays.
Innovation Solution
The method involves capturing images of a target area by a camera system on an aerial vehicle, determining the coverage of the target area, and adjusting the flight map or camera orientation in real-time to ensure optimal image capture and adapt to changing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If images are captured at predetermined time intervals during aerial survey, then data capture efficiency is improved, but image quality reliability deteriorates due to changing conditions such as cloud obstruction and turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors image quality metrics during capture and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust capture parameters. When degradation is detected (e.g., cloud obstruction or turbulence), the system automatically modifies subsequent capture settings to compensate, ensuring maintained image quality without requiring manual intervention or flight interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static predetermined capture interval into a dynamic parameter that adapts in real-time based on environmental conditions. The capture interval and orientation are continuously adjusted according to detected turbulence, cloud cover, and other changing conditions, allowing the system to maintain optimal image quality while preserving survey productivity.
2Measurement precision
If defective images are identified after flight completion, then data review thoroughness is improved, but time loss increases due to required additional flights
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary quality assessment and adjustment actions during the flight itself rather than after completion. By detecting potential defects in real-time and adjusting capture parameters proactively, the system prevents defective images from being captured in the first place, eliminating the need for retakes and associated time losses while maintaining thorough quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the system to quickly identify and skip over problematic capture intervals during flight, rushing through affected areas with adjusted parameters rather than completing full predetermined sequences. This allows the survey to continue without interruption while avoiding the time cost of returning for retakes.
3Ease of operation
If camera orientation is fixed during aerial survey, then operational simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates in response to changing environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic camera orientation control that automatically adjusts tilt, pan, and zoom parameters in response to detected environmental conditions. The system maintains operational simplicity by automating these adjustments based on real-time sensor data and image quality feedback, eliminating the need for manual pilot intervention while enhancing environmental adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera system performs self-adjustment based on embedded quality monitoring algorithms. When environmental conditions change, the system autonomously modifies its own orientation and capture parameters without external input, making the complex adaptive behavior transparent to the operator while maintaining ease of use.
4Reliability
If additional flights are planned to retake defective images, then image quality completeness is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary corrective actions during the original flight by adjusting capture parameters when defects are detected, preventing the need for additional flights. This proactive approach ensures image quality completeness is achieved during the initial survey mission, eliminating the energy and cost expenditure associated with planning and executing retake flights.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of performing an adaptive aerial survey includes capturing images of a target area, by at least one camera system disposed on an aerial vehicle, as the aerial vehicle travels along a flight map that includes a plurality of flight lines. The method also includes determining coverage of the target area based on the images captured by the at least one camera system, and adjusting at least one of the flight map and an orientation of the at least one camera system based on the coverage of the target area determined based on the images captured by the at least one camera system. The method can be performed by a control system including circuitry to perform the above steps.