Adjustable Visor and Filter Assembly for Aerial Camera Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-propeller aerial vehicles face reduced image quality due to sunlight and shadows, affecting photography and object detection accuracy, especially during vertical flight when aerodynamics are of lower priority.
Innovation Solution
The aerial vehicle is equipped with adjustable light alteration assemblies, including visors and filters, that can be positioned over the camera lenses to block or filter excessive light, improving image quality and enabling high dynamic range imaging by combining images before and after light alteration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If light alteration assemblies (visors and filters) are positioned over camera lenses to block excessive light, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable light alteration assemblies that can dynamically change their position and configuration based on lighting conditions. The visors can be extended or retracted, and filters can be adjusted to different positions, allowing the system to adapt to varying sunlight conditions while maintaining image quality without permanently increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The light alteration assemblies act as intermediary elements between the harmful sunlight and the camera lens. By positioning visors and filters as intermediate components, the system blocks excessive light before it reaches the camera, thereby improving image quality without requiring modification to the camera itself
2Manufacturing precision
If visors are extended to block sunlight from camera lenses, then image quality improves, but aerodynamic efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The visors are designed to be extendable and retractable rather than fixed. They can be extended only when sunlight interference is detected and retracted when not needed, particularly during horizontal flight when aerodynamic efficiency is critical. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing image quality protection only when required
Solution Approach 2:
The light alteration assemblies operate periodically based on detected lighting conditions rather than continuously. The system activates visors and filters during periods of excessive sunlight and deactivates them during normal lighting conditions or horizontal flight, thereby maintaining image quality when needed while preserving aerodynamic efficiency during cruising
3Measurement precision
If light alteration assemblies are used during vertical flight, then object detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light alteration assemblies are equipped with sensors that automatically detect sunlight intensity and shadow conditions, triggering the visors and filters to adjust without external intervention. During vertical flight, the system self-activates to improve object detection accuracy, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms while maintaining measurement precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances image quality, leading to improved object detection and avoidance capabilities during vertical flight, while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency during horizontal flight.
Implementation Method 1
positioned between the camera and the light source to block a portion of the light from the light source from entering the lens of the camera
Implementation Method 2
The light alteration assembly may include an adjustable visor and/or one or more filters that are positionable over the lens of the camera(s)
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure describes an aerial vehicle that includes a light alteration assembly that may be used to alter light entering a lens of a camera of the aerial vehicle. The light alteration assembly may include an adjustable visor and/or filters that may be selectively positioned over the lens of the camera. By altering light entering the lens of a camera of the aerial vehicle, the camera is able to obtain higher quality images of the area surrounding the aerial vehicle. The higher quality images may then be processed to accurately detect objects within a vicinity of the aerial vehicle.