Drone Flight Path Automation for Consistent Site Inspection Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network operators lack the training to operate drones effectively for site inspections, leading to inconsistent data capture and the need for physical site visits, which increases costs and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
An automated flight path system for drones that allows untrained operators to navigate and capture data consistently by logging a flight path for future flights, integrating with various computing systems to provide 3D site models and virtual inspections, reducing the need for trained pilots and physical site visits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If untrained operators manually operate drones for site inspections, then physical site visits can be performed, but data capture consistency deteriorates and operator safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a digital copy of the optimal flight path through initial manual piloting, then uses this recorded path for automated repetitions. The flight path is captured as digital data including GPS coordinates, altitude, speed, and camera parameters, which can be replayed automatically without requiring operator skill for consistent data capture
Solution Approach 2:
The drone system performs self-navigation using pre-recorded flight paths and automated control algorithms. Once the path is established, the drone autonomously executes inspections without human intervention, maintaining consistent positioning and data capture parameters while reducing safety risks to operators
2Reliability
If trained pilots manually fly drones for inspections, then data capture consistency improves, but system complexity and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical piloting with automated digital control. Flight paths recorded by trained pilots are converted into digital navigation instructions that guide the drone automatically, substituting human mechanical control with algorithmic navigation while preserving data capture quality
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary flight path recording during an initial manual flight, capturing all navigation and camera parameters in advance. This pre-established path is then reused for subsequent inspections, eliminating the need for repeated manual piloting while maintaining consistent data capture standards
3Productivity
If automated flight paths are implemented, then safety and productivity improve, but initial setup time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs the complex task of flight path planning and optimization during an initial setup flight, recording all parameters for future use. This preliminary action consolidates the time investment upfront, enabling rapid repetition of identical inspection routines without requiring repeated setup time
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital template of the optimal inspection flight path that can be copied and replayed indefinitely. The recorded path including navigation data and camera parameters serves as a reusable template that eliminates repeated setup time while maintaining inspection quality and safety
Data Source
AI summary
A technique is directed to methods and systems for drone flight path automation for site inspections. A user can operate a drone in a sequence around a site and capture data. The data is logged and used to generate an automated flight path, so that for future flights, the drone can fly an automated flight path along the same flight path sequence as the logged flight path and capture data of the site. For example, automated flight paths allow drones to capture data in the same way on each flight so inconsistencies in measured data of the site can be identified, since the flight paths are the same. In some implementations, the captured data is used to generate a three-dimensional (3D) interactive model of the site. The 3D interactive model can be used for acquiring certifications for the site from permitting authorities or inspectors.