Drone Camera Gimbal Control for Stable Target Direction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
When a camera is mounted on a moving body, such as a drone, maintaining the desired direction of photography becomes challenging due to the movement of the body, especially when the camera is equipped with mechanisms for rotating around multiple axes, as the field of view can swing with the movement, making it difficult to keep the camera directed at a specific target.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an imaging unit, a first detection unit for detecting the front direction of the moving body, and a control unit that adjusts the posture of the imaging unit around multiple axes based on inputs from both the moving body and the steering apparatus, using geomagnetic and acceleration sensors to calculate and control the necessary angles for maintaining the desired direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the camera is mounted with rotation mechanisms to change direction, then the camera can be directed to specific directions when the moving body is stopped, but the field of view swings around in response to violent movement of the moving body
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously detects the actual posture of the moving body using sensors (acceleration sensors, gyro sensors) and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit then adjusts the camera's posture by calculating the difference between the desired posture and actual posture, applying compensatory rotation to counteract the body's movement and maintain stable imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
A gimbal mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the moving body and the camera. The gimbal provides a stable platform that isolates the camera from the vibrations and movements of the moving body, allowing the camera to maintain its orientation independently of the body's posture changes.
2Reliability
If the camera is kept directed in a specific direction by compensating for body movement, then continuous photographing in the desired direction is achieved, but the control system becomes more complex with multiple sensors and calculation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit performs multiple functions using a single integrated system: it detects body posture through sensors, calculates the required camera adjustment angles, controls the rotation mechanisms, and compensates for vibrations. This multi-functional approach consolidates what could be separate complex subsystems into one coordinated unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects its own posture changes and self-corrects the camera orientation without external intervention. The control unit continuously monitors sensor data and autonomously adjusts the camera posture, making the system self-regulating and reducing the need for complex external control mechanisms.
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 allows for continuous photography in a desired direction without relying on the posture of the moving body, enabling intuitive and stable control of the camera's posture, ensuring that the camera remains focused on the intended target even during violent movements.
Implementation Method 1
The first detection unit detects a front direction of the moving body
Implementation Method 2
the first detection unit detects a tilt around a second axis of the moving body
Data Source
AI summary
[Object][Solving Means] A moving body according to an embodiment of the present technology includes an imaging unit, a first detection unit, and a control unit. The first detection unit detects a front direction of the moving body. The control unit controls a posture around a first axis of the imaging unit to a posture specified by a steering apparatus based on an output of the first detection unit, an output of a second detection unit that detects a front direction of the steering apparatus that steers the imaging unit, and input data generated by the steering apparatus.