Downward-View Drone Control for Precise Ground Object Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drone systems lack the ability to accurately and easily maneuver and converge around a target location while looking down, making it difficult to manipulate ground objects with precision and stability, especially when dealing with changing object weights.

Innovation Solution

A system that configures drones with downward-facing cameras for a top-view video feed, allowing users to select target locations on a display screen and control drones to converge automatically, with adjustable velocity and altitude, and equips drones with motorized arms for precise object manipulation, using sensor fusion algorithms for accurate navigation in various environments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If front-facing cameras are used in existing drones, then users can fly drones while looking forward from the point of view in the area of interest, but users cannot control the drones with high accuracy and ease while looking down

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of controlling droneVSAvoidability to control while looking down

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional camera orientation from front-facing to downward-facing. This allows users to look down at the ground while controlling the drone, providing a top-down view of the area of interest and enabling precise manipulation of ground objects. The downward-facing camera configuration fundamentally changes the user's perspective and control approach, solving the limitation of not being able to control accurately while looking down.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Measurement precision

If drones are manually controlled using remote controller or mobile devices, then users can operate drones from remote location, but it is difficult for users to manually and precisely converge the drone over the target location while simultaneously controlling altitude and vertical velocity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprecision of converging droneVSAvoidcomplexity of simultaneous control

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an automatic convergence feature where the drone system autonomously navigates to the selected target location on the ground. Once the user selects a target point through the downward-facing camera view, the drone automatically converges to that position, eliminating the need for manual simultaneous control of horizontal position, altitude, and vertical velocity. This self-service capability significantly improves precision while reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing drones are used for transporting objects, then objects can be pre-attached to the drone before takeoff, but the existing drones are not adaptive to the changeable weight of the objects to be lifted or transported, making the drone unstable while flying

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changeable weightVSAvoidstability of drone while flying

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic weight adaptation capabilities in the drone system. The drone can adjust its flight characteristics, motor output, and control parameters in real-time based on the detected weight of attached objects. This dynamic adjustment allows the drone to maintain stable flight and precise control whether transporting light or heavy objects, making the system adaptive to changeable weights while preserving flight stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If downward-facing cameras are used for top view of the area of interest, then users can see the area below the drone, but users are restricted from efficiently and accurately manipulating ground objects present below the drone when using front cameras

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of manipulating ground objectsVSAvoidefficiency of manipulating ground objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the inversion principle by switching from front-facing to downward-facing cameras. This provides users with a direct top-down view of ground objects, enabling both efficient and accurate manipulation. The downward-facing camera allows users to see exactly where the drone is positioned relative to ground objects, making it easy to guide the drone for precise pick-up and drop-off operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS20230062759A1System and method for ground objects manipulation using a drone

Publication Date: 2023.03.02 XTEND REALITY EXPANSION LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a system and method for ground object manipulation using a drone (UAV). The drone is configured with the camera(s) facing downwards to capture a real-time video feed of a top view of an AOI, which is then transmitted to the display screen of the mobile device associated with a user. The video feed is displayed on the display screen, which facilitates the user to use a marker on the display screen to select a target 2D location (object) in the AOI. The user can then operate a trigger of the remote controller to start the movement of the drone. The system then determines an optimal target velocity command for the drone to reach the selected target location, and automatically maneuvers the drone to the target location at the target velocity, and converges the drone around the desired target. The vertical movement of the drone above the target location is then controlled using the controller. The drone includes a motorized arm to grab/release the target objects.