Camera Drone Trajectory Mapping for Multi-Level Stairwells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mapping multi-level buildings with complex transition spaces, such as staircases, poses challenges due to varying configurations and obstacles, which hinder effective data collection and generation of accurate graphical representations.

Innovation Solution

The use of an autonomous security camera drone (SCD) equipped with sensors and navigation systems to determine and follow orthogonal or smooth trajectory paths, allowing it to efficiently map transition spaces by collecting environmental data and generating 2D or 3D representations, even in complex spaces like curved staircases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional mapping methods are used in multi-level buildings, then simple spaces can be mapped, but complex transition spaces like staircases cannot be effectively mapped due to varying configurations and obstacles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemapping capabilityVSAvoidtransition space complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the mapping system adaptable through autonomous drone navigation that dynamically adjusts to different staircase configurations. The drone autonomously determines trajectory paths and collects mapping data in real-time, allowing the system to adapt to varying transition space geometries rather than requiring static pre-programmed paths for each building type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of navigation approach by implementing multiple trajectory path types (orthogonal and smooth curves) that can be selected based on the specific staircase configuration. This parameter change allows the mapping system to handle different transition space complexities by adjusting the navigation methodology to match the architectural characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If autonomous drone navigation is implemented to map complex transition spaces, then mapping accuracy improves, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemapping accuracyVSAvoidnavigation system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the autonomous drone navigation system to perform multiple functions: it can navigate both orthogonal and curved trajectory paths, collect various types of mapping data (images, measurements), and adapt to different staircase configurations. This multi-functionality allows a single system to handle diverse mapping scenarios without requiring separate specialized systems for each building type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service through autonomous navigation where the drone independently determines its trajectory path, collects mapping data, and generates graphical representations without continuous human intervention. The system autonomously processes the complexity of navigation and data collection, reducing the operational burden while maintaining high mapping accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple trajectory path types are used to accommodate different staircase configurations, then adaptability improves, but navigation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrajectory path adaptabilityVSAvoidnavigation control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dynamic trajectory selection mechanism that adapts the navigation path based on the detected staircase configuration. Rather than requiring manual selection or complex pre-programming, the system dynamically determines whether to use orthogonal or smooth curve trajectories based on the architectural features encountered during autonomous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12169878B2Multi-level premise mapping with camera drone
Publication Date: 2024.12.17 ALARM COM INC
  • US12169878B2 patent drawing
  • US12169878B2 patent drawing
  • US12169878B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A drone is used to map difficult transition spaces within buildings such as staircases between different levels of a multi-level building. The mapping technique used may vary based on the type of building space. For instance, for linear staircases, an orthogonal trajectory path or a smooth trajectory path may be used to map the transition space. The orthogonal trajectory path and the smooth trajectory path may be derived, at least in part, on initial and terminating points provided by a user. For circular staircases, a user may move the drone from the initial point to the terminating point, and the drone may determine a trajectory path based on the user's movement of the drone from the initial point to the terminating point.