Aerial Camera Gimbal Control for Motion-Blur and Coverage Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerial photography systems face challenges in reducing motion-blur during camera movement, as existing technologies restrict camera velocity to avoid blur but fail to optimize movement for efficient image capture across large areas.
Innovation Solution
A camera system with a camera control unit that adapts velocity based on operational modes, maintaining a specific range for exposure to reduce blur and another range for fast movement to the next exposure point, using a gimbal assembly for mechanical support and movement in desired directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If camera velocity is restricted to avoid motion-blur, then image quality is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to slower coverage of large areas
Solution Approach 1:
The camera control unit dynamically adjusts the velocity of the supporting device based on operational mode: maintaining a first velocity range during exposure mode to reduce motion-blur, and switching to a second velocity range during non-exposure mode to quickly move to the next exposure point. This dynamic velocity adaptation resolves the contradiction by making the system fast when quality requirements are less critical and slow when quality is paramount.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic alternating action between exposure mode and non-exposure mode. During exposure mode, the camera moves slowly to capture high-quality images; during non-exposure mode, it moves quickly to reposition. This periodic switching between slow and fast movement patterns enables both high image quality during capture and high productivity during transit.
2Productivity
If camera moves continuously to cover large areas, then productivity is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to motion-blur
Solution Approach 1:
The velocity of the supporting device is dynamically controlled based on the operational mode. During exposure mode, velocity is restricted to a first range to minimize motion-blur and ensure image quality. During non-exposure mode, velocity increases to a second range to accelerate coverage of large areas. This dynamic velocity control allows the system to achieve both continuous coverage and high image quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera operation is segmented into two distinct modes: exposure mode and non-exposure mode. Each mode has its own velocity range optimized for its specific function. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for image quality during exposure and for productivity during non-exposure, resolving the contradiction between continuous movement and image quality.
3Productivity
If camera velocity is increased for fast coverage, then productivity is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to increased motion-blur
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts camera velocity based on operational needs. During non-exposure mode, high velocity is used to quickly cover large areas, maximizing productivity. During exposure mode, velocity is reduced to a lower range to minimize motion-blur and maintain image sharpness. This dynamic velocity adaptation allows the system to achieve high coverage speed without permanently sacrificing image quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
The presently disclosed subject matter includes a camera system for aerial photography applications which can be mounted on an aircraft and be operated for obtaining images of a surveyed area. The proposed camera system comprises a camera control unit operatively connected to a camera supported by a pivotal supporting device such as a gimbal assembly. The camera is continuously moved along a scanning line without stopping and is operated to capture images in a certain frame rate, this is carried out by measuring as well as regulating the angular velocity of the camera to adapt the pictured and the non-pictures zones over the scanning line.