Drone Imaging Shutter Synchronization for Blur-Free Indoor Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current navigation systems for small, lightweight self-propelled vehicles like aerial drones are limited in indoor spaces due to the use of patterned light, which causes objects to appear differently in frames, and require multiple cameras, restricting field of depth and making navigation in large areas impossible.
Innovation Solution
A system using a light emitting device that emits pulses of visible or infrared light coordinated with the imaging device's shutter to capture clear and sharp images, with each light pulse lasting less than 5000 µs, minimizing blur and energy consumption, and allowing for real-time image processing and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If patterned light is used for navigation in darkness, then visibility is improved, but objects appear differently in different frames making tracking difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using pulsed light illumination instead of continuous illumination. The light source emits light in periodic pulses synchronized with the camera shutter, creating consistent illumination conditions for each frame while maintaining object appearance consistency across frames. This resolves the contradiction by providing sufficient visibility during each pulse while preventing the distortion caused by continuous patterned light projection.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are used for photogrammetric measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple cameras into a single camera by combining structured light projection with monocular photogrammetry. Instead of using multiple cameras to capture different viewpoints simultaneously, the system projects known light patterns and uses a single camera to capture the illuminated scene, achieving 3D measurement capability through the integration of pattern information with image data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces structured light patterns as an intermediary element that mediates between the single camera and the 3D measurement task. The projected light patterns serve as a reference framework that enables depth and shape measurement from a single viewpoint, replacing the need for multiple cameras while maintaining measurement precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If light pulse duration is reduced to minimize blur, then image sharpness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the light pulse duration to a specific range (1-100 milliseconds) that balances image sharpness and energy consumption. This parameter optimization ensures that the illumination is sufficient to create sharp images during the brief pulse while limiting the total energy consumed by preventing excessively long pulse durations. The synchronized shutter operation further refines this parameter control.
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 enables efficient navigation of small drones in indoor environments by reducing image blur, minimizing energy consumption, and enhancing navigation capabilities through clear image matching and positioning, while reducing heat generation and weight constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitting device for emitting light pulses, such as pulses of visible light and/or pulses of infrared light
Implementation Method 2
an image is captured by the imaging device during at least part of the duration of a light pulse
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a self-propelled vehicle (100) comprising: - a light emitting device for emitting light pulses; and - an imaging device (1) comprising a shutter; wherein - the light emitting device is coordinated with the shutter of the imaging device (1), such that an image (50) is captured by the imaging device (1) during at least part of the duration of a light pulse; wherein: - the light emitting device is configured to emit light pulses wherein each light pulse has a duration of less than 5000 µs. The invention also relates to a method of capturing images (50) from a self-propelled vehicle (100).