Drone Depth Sensing for Consistent 3D Structure Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual navigation of drones for data acquisition leads to inconsistencies in 3D point cloud generation, resulting in lower quality digital twins of cell towers and other structures.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a drone equipped with a sensor system to automatically estimate the height and coordinates of structures by obtaining depth data, determining vertical coordinates, and adjusting the drone's position for accurate data capture, eliminating the need for manual piloting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual navigation is used to position the drone, then the drone can be positioned around the structure, but the positioning consistency and data quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically identifying the structure in the camera field of view and calculating the drone's position relative to the structure using image processing and geometric relationships, eliminating the need for manual pilot intervention and ensuring consistent positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical control of the drone by a pilot is replaced with an automated optical-mechanical system that uses the camera, processor, and control unit to automatically position the drone based on visual feedback from the sensor system
2Reliability
If automated positioning is implemented, then positioning consistency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera serves multiple functions: it captures images for structure identification, provides depth information through image processing, and enables automated positioning calculations, reducing the need for separate specialized sensors and simplifying the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary that receives raw image data from the camera, processes it to identify the structure and calculate positioning information, and sends control signals to the drone's flight control system, coordinating multiple functions through a central processing unit
3Productivity
If manual data collection is used, then equipment can be managed, but time consumption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drone continuously captures images and the system continuously processes these images to track the drone's position and adjust positioning in real-time, maintaining continuous useful action throughout the data collection process rather than requiring intermittent manual interventions
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically performs all positioning and data collection tasks without human intervention, with the drone navigating itself and the processor analyzing images and controlling flight parameters, eliminating the time cost of manual operation while maintaining high productivity
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 approach reduces costs and improves the accuracy of digitalization processes for telecom assets and other tall structures by enabling fully automated data capture and real-time orbit control, enhancing the quality of generated 3D point clouds.
Implementation Method 1
using the sensor system to obtain first depth data
Data Source
AI summary
A method (600) for obtaining information about a structure (101) using a drone (102) equipped with a sensor system (103). The method includes, during a first period of time and while the drone's sensor system is pointing towards the structure, using (s602) the sensor system to obtain first depth data. The method also includes obtaining (s604) a first height value, Z1, indicating or being based on the height of the drone above a bottom point of the structure during the first period of time. The method also includes using (s606) the first depth data to determine a first vertical coordinate representing a top point of the structure. The method further includes estimating (s608) a height of the structure, wherein estimating the height of the structure comprises using the first vertical coordinate and the first height value, Z1, to estimate the height of the structure.