Drone Takeoff Triggering via Ground Event Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drones face limitations in stabilization during takeoff and flight, are sensitive to vibrations, and lack integration into automatic event management systems, which affects the quality of visual content captured and the ability to respond to unforeseen events without human intervention.

Innovation Solution

A drone take-off system comprising a ground control unit and detectors that trigger drone deployment to specific locations, enabling continuous monitoring and image capture, with vibration sensing and autonomous flight management to maintain image quality and extend presence at event sites.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple motors are used to stabilize the nacelle in three orthogonal directions, then the shooting direction becomes independent of drone orientation and control is facilitated, but the mechanics become more fragile and cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of nacelle orientationVSAvoidmechanics complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the stabilization function from the mechanical gimbal system by implementing electronic stabilization through software algorithms that process camera data and compensate for vibrations digitally, eliminating the need for complex mechanical counterweights and motors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical stabilization system with an electronic solution using sensors (accelerometers, gyroscopes) and digital signal processing to achieve stabilization without physical moving parts, thereby reducing mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If the drone is integrated into an automatic event management system with multiple drones, then continuous monitoring capability is improved and response time to events is reduced, but the system complexity and coordination requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsystem coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a centralized control system that receives real-time data from multiple drones and ground detectors, automatically processes event detection, and dynamically assigns drones to events based on their location and availability, creating a closed-loop feedback system that manages complexity through automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal platform where drones can perform multiple functions (monitoring, event detection, data collection) and the system can handle various event types through a common architecture, reducing overall system complexity through standardization

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

3Manufacturing precision

If vibration sensing and stabilization mechanisms are implemented, then image quality is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage qualityVSAvoidstabilization system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical stabilization systems with electronic vibration sensing using accelerometers and gyroscopes combined with digital image stabilization algorithms that process and correct image data computationally

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the approach from physical parameter adjustment (mechanical movements) to digital parameter processing (image data correction), achieving stabilization through software-based parameter transformation rather than hardware complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3281399B1System for triggering the take-off of a drone following the detection of an event that occurred at a predetermined location
Publication Date: 2019.10.23 PIXIEL
  • EP3281399B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3281399B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3281399B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a take-off system for a drone comprising a ground control station and at least one detector associated with a specific ground location. The station comprises a means for communicating with the drone in order to transmit a signal to trigger the take-off, the at least one detector sends the control station a signal detecting an event associated with an unforeseen event occurring at the specific location. The reception by the control station of the signal detecting an event triggers the signal to trigger the take-off in order to follow a course that passes at least over the specific ground location at which the event occurred. In this way, the drone can improve the knowledge of the triggering event by travelling over the location where it was detected.