Autonomous Camera Vehicle Positioning for Uncertain Object Tracking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems face challenges in optimizing the pose and view angles of autonomous camera vehicles to effectively observe dynamic objects within a property perimeter, due to uncertainties in object position and velocity estimates from distributed sensors.

Innovation Solution

The system detects dynamic objects using motion sensors, estimates their positions and motion vectors, and directs the camera vehicle to observe these objects by creating an uncertainty map that dynamically adjusts based on estimation ambiguity. The camera vehicle's viewing positions and angles are optimized to maximize the likelihood of capturing objects within its frame, while accounting for obstacles and changing uncertainty patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If distributed sensors are used to detect dynamic objects, then object detection capability is improved, but uncertainty in position and velocity estimates increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject detection capabilityVSAvoidposition and velocity estimate accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring uncertainty levels from sensor data and adjusting the camera vehicle's observation strategy in real-time. The uncertainty information feeds back into the decision-making process for vehicle positioning and viewing angle selection, allowing the system to adapt to changing measurement conditions and maintain optimal observation despite sensor uncertainties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system applies dynamics by making the camera vehicle's pose (position and orientation) adjustable and adaptive rather than fixed. The vehicle dynamically changes its position and viewing angles based on real-time uncertainty assessments, transforming a static observation system into a dynamic one that can compensate for measurement uncertainties through active repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of information

If the camera vehicle adjusts its pose frequently to maintain optimal views, then object visibility is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject visibilityVSAvoidcamera vehicle energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by adjusting the camera vehicle's pose only when necessary to maintain optimal views, rather than continuously or excessively repositioning. The uncertainty-based approach allows the vehicle to maintain acceptable observation conditions with minimal adjustments, performing just enough action to preserve visibility while avoiding wasteful energy consumption from unnecessary movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Measurement precision

If the camera vehicle observes areas with high uncertainty, then measurement precision is improved, but time to complete inspection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject state estimation accuracyVSAvoidinspection completion time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies self-service by allowing the uncertainty information itself to guide the observation process. High uncertainty areas automatically generate tasks for the camera vehicle to observe, and the vehicle uses this same uncertainty data to optimize its path and viewing angles. The system serves itself by using its own measurement quality assessments to direct its own inspection activities, efficiently allocating time to where it is most needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12267574B1Optimizing dynamic observation with an autonomous camera vehicle based on uncertain sensor data

Publication Date: 2025.04.01 SUNFLOWER LABS INC

AI summary

Directing a camera vehicle includes detecting dynamic objects within a property perimeter that is monitored by the camera vehicle, estimating positions and motion vectors of the objects, and directing the camera vehicle to observe the objects in response to there being uncertainty in estimating the positions and motion vectors of the objects. Motion sensors disposed in the property perimeter may be used to detect dynamic objects. The uncertainty may correspond to co-axial object movement when at least one of the objects moves radially with respect to at least one of the sensors. The uncertainty may correspond to a sudden change of object direction, a sudden acceleration of an object, and/or joint movements of multiple objects. Uncertainty areas may correspond to portions within the property perimeter where the uncertainty in estimating the positions and motion vectors of the objects is detected. The camera vehicle may be an unmanned aerial vehicle.