On-Demand Drone Capture With Geofence-Based User Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for on-demand drone-based capture of digital media, particularly for specific locations or events, and a means for users to control parameters of the capture process, which is currently lacking in existing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fleet of drones and mobile technology platforms with software that allows users to request drone services, control digital media capture, and specify target locations through a graphical user interface, with features for partial control over flight paths and media capture settings, including geofence proximity and safety protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fleet of drones is deployed for on-demand digital media capture, then service availability and response time are improved, but system complexity and operational coordination difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
A centralized server acts as an intermediary between mobile devices and drones, managing the fleet coordination, task assignment, and communication. This mediator handles the complexity of managing multiple drones, processing requests from users, and optimizing drone deployment while presenting a simple interface to end users through mobile applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone fleet is designed as a universal resource that can serve multiple functions and multiple users simultaneously. The system handles diverse digital media capture tasks (photography, videography, inspection) and can dynamically allocate drones to different users based on demand, maximizing resource utilization while maintaining service availability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users are given control over digital media capture parameters, then customization and user satisfaction are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased control complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is segmented into different levels of complexity. Basic users can access simplified controls through the mobile application for common tasks, while advanced users can access detailed parameter controls (shutter speed, aperture, ISO, flight path) when needed. This segmentation allows the system to provide both ease of operation for casual users and customization capability for professional users.
Solution Approach 2:
The user interface dynamically adapts to user needs and experience levels. The system can switch between automated modes (where the system handles all parameters) and manual modes (where users control all parameters), and even semi-automated modes (where users control only specific parameters). This dynamic adaptation allows the same interface to serve both beginners and experts effectively.
3Reliability
If geofence proximity and safety protocols are implemented, then operational safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional monitoring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Geofences are pre-defined and configured before drone operations begin. Safety boundaries, no-fly zones, and operational limits are established in advance through the server system, eliminating the need for real-time complex decision-making during flight. The drone automatically receives these pre-configured constraints and operates within them, ensuring safety while reducing real-time computational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback monitoring of drone position relative to geofences and safety parameters. Sensors on the drone constantly report location data to the server, which compares this data against pre-defined safety zones and automatically adjusts or terminates operations if boundaries are approached or violated. This automated feedback loop ensures safety while distributing the monitoring complexity between the drone's simple position reporting and the server's boundary enforcement logic.
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for sending a drone to a target on request. The system includes a server provided in communication with a plurality of mobile technology platforms, each of which having an instance of a particular software installed therein. The software contains programming instructions configured to transmit a request from a user for a drone. The system, upon receiving a transmitted request for a drone from one of the plurality of mobile technology platforms, dispatches a drone to fly to a specified target and provides the user with at least partial control of the drone's flight or of media capture by the drone based on the location of the drone relative to a geofence associated with the target.