Drone Camera Control for Stable Hover Work Machine Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for supporting work machines with image capture devices mounted on flying objects require frequent changes in flight state, leading to increased processing load and reduced battery life due to the need for continuous adjustments in hovering control.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a flying object with an image capture device, an information acquisition unit, an image capture target position calculation unit, an image capture condition setting unit, and a flight control command unit that allows the image capture device to maintain the target flight state by adjusting image capture conditions rather than changing the flight state, thereby reducing processing load and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the target flight position of the flying object is frequently changed to track the image capture target, then the image capture coverage is improved, but the processing load and battery consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage capture coverageVSAvoidbattery consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the image capture conditions (view angle and direction) of the image capture device based on the position of the image capture target, while keeping the flying object's flight state stable. This dynamic adjustment of capture parameters instead of flight position resolves the contradiction by adapting the capture coverage without increasing energy consumption from frequent flight changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameters of the image capture device (view angle and direction) rather than changing the flight position parameters. By adjusting these capture parameters, the system maintains image capture coverage while avoiding the energy-consuming flight state changes, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and energy usage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If the target flight position is frequently adjusted to maintain image capture, then the image capture accuracy is improved, but the control processing load increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage capture accuracyVSAvoidcontrol processing load
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the image capture conditions based on target position calculations, maintaining capture accuracy through parameter optimization rather than flight repositioning. This reduces the control processing load by eliminating the need for frequent flight state adjustments while preserving image capture precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the mechanical flight repositioning mechanism with an electronic/optical adjustment mechanism of the image capture device. Instead of mechanically moving the flying object to maintain capture accuracy, the system electronically adjusts the capture device's view angle and direction, significantly reducing control processing load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the flying object maintains a stable flight state, then the battery life is extended, but the image capture target may fall outside the capture area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery lifeVSAvoidimage capture coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains stable flight state while dynamically adjusting the image capture device's view angle and direction to track the image capture target. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures the target remains within the capture area without requiring flight state changes, thus preserving battery life while maintaining capture coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the capture parameters (view angle and direction) instead of changing the flight state parameters. This parameter substitution allows the system to maintain both stable flight (extending battery life) and adequate capture coverage (maintaining adaptability) simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3964910B1Work support system for work machine
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 KOBELCO CONSTR MASCH CO LTD
  • EP3964910B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3964910B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3964910B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an apparatus including an image capture device (410) mounted on a flying object (40) to support work by a work machine (1), including an information acquisition unit, an image capture target position calculation unit (50), an image capture condition setting unit that sets an image capture condition including at least one of an image capture view angle and an image capture direction, a flying object control unit capable of hovering control of the flying object (40), and a flight control command unit that imparts a control command to the flying object control unit. The flight control command unit makes the image capture condition setting unit change the image capture condition to make the image capture target position contained within the image capture area while maintaining the target flight state when the image capture target position is deviated or predicted to be deviated from the image capture area during the hovering control.