Dual-Gimbal UAV Tracking Using RGB and Thermal Target Cues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV tracking technologies face difficulties in tracking targets with few characteristics or small volume, as the gimbal may become locked, making it challenging to adjust the tracking angle based on user desires, limiting the scope and accuracy of target observation.
Innovation Solution
A UAV system equipped with a first and second gimbal, and corresponding cameras, which obtain and combine different types of characteristic information (e.g., RGB color and heat distribution) to enhance tracking performance and expand the applicable scope by adjusting the attitude of both cameras for precise target tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single camera and gimbal system is used for tracking, then the device complexity is low, but the tracking precision and applicable scope deteriorate for targets with few characteristics or small volume
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the tracking function into two independent camera-gimbal subsystems: a first camera-gimbal for capturing characteristic information and a second camera-gimbal for verifying tracking status. This segmentation allows each subsystem to specialize in specific tracking aspects, improving overall tracking precision for challenging targets while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple types of characteristic information (from different cameras and sensors) to comprehensively identify and track the target. By combining data from the first camera, second camera, and potentially other sensors, the system achieves more reliable tracking precision for targets with few characteristics or small volume
2Reliability
If the gimbal is automatically locked for stable tracking, then the stability of tracking is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates as user-adjustable tracking angle is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic control of the gimbal, allowing it to switch between locked and unlocked states. The controller can automatically lock the gimbal for stable tracking when needed, while also enabling manual unlocking for user adjustment. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by providing both automatic stability and manual operability depending on the operational phase
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the tracking status to control gimbal locking. The controller monitors whether tracking is stable and adjusts the gimbal lock state accordingly. Additionally, user input serves as feedback to override automatic locking when manual adjustment is required, balancing automated stability with user control
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cameras and gimbals are used to improve tracking performance, then the tracking precision and applicable scope are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first camera-gimbal system is designed to perform multiple functions: capturing characteristic information of the target, verifying tracking status, and providing backup tracking capability. The second camera-gimbal system similarly serves multiple purposes including primary tracking and verification. This multi-functionality increases applicable scope while managing complexity through shared control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that coordinates between multiple cameras and gimbals. It processes information from various sensors, determines optimal tracking strategies, and manages the complex interactions between components. This centralized mediation handles the complexity of multiple components through a unified control algorithm
Data Source
AI summary
A tracking method includes obtaining first characteristic information of a target object through a first camera. The tracking method also includes obtaining second characteristic information of the target object through a second camera. The tracking method further includes tracking the target object based on at least one of the first characteristic information or the second characteristic information.