Fixed-Camera UAV Flight Paths for Stable Still Image Capture
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional drones with fixed or manually adjustable cameras face challenges in maintaining a stable camera position and pitch angle during flight, especially in restricted spaces, due to the complexity and weight of electronically controllable gimbals, which limits their ability to capture high-quality images efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A control system is implemented in the UAV that automatically determines and plans flight paths with specific camera angles and image capture points, using a fixed camera positioned at a predetermined pitch angle, allowing for extended image capture times without the need for expensive and fragile gimbals, by utilizing an electronic processor, GPS, and data tables to optimize flight paths and camera orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electronically controllable gimbals are used to maintain stable camera position and pitch angle, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gimbal system entirely from the UAV, extracting the camera stabilization function from a mechanical device and replacing it with a computational approach using flight path planning and fixed camera mounting. This eliminates the complexity and weight of gimbals while maintaining image quality through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gimbal system with an electronic control system that uses flight path optimization algorithms. Instead of mechanically stabilizing the camera, the system stabilizes the camera's position in space by optimizing the UAV's flight trajectory and using fixed camera mounting at predetermined pitch angles.
2Measurement precision
If electronically controllable gimbles are used to maintain stable camera position, then image quality is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gimbal system entirely from the UAV, extracting the camera stabilization function from a mechanical device and replacing it with a computational approach using flight path planning and fixed camera mounting. This eliminates the complexity and weight of gimbles while maintaining image quality through alternative means.
3Device complexity
If fixed camera at predetermined pitch angle is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ability to capture images at various angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic flight path planning that adapts to different imaging requirements. The system dynamically calculates optimal flight trajectories that accommodate the fixed camera's predetermined pitch angle, allowing the UAV to capture images at various effective angles by changing its position and orientation in flight rather than adjusting the camera itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent solves the angle limitation by moving from camera adjustment to spatial repositioning. Instead of changing the camera's pitch angle, the system uses three-dimensional flight path optimization to position the UAV at different locations and orientations, effectively achieving多角度 imaging through spatial dimensionality rather than camera articulation.
4Ease of operation
If conventional flight paths are used, then maneuvering is simpler, but image capture stability in restricted spaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary calculation of optimized flight paths that pre-determine the optimal trajectory for maintaining stable camera positioning. The system calculates in advance the flight path that will keep the camera properly oriented and positioned relative to the target, allowing the UAV to automatically execute the stable capture sequence without complex real-time adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A UAV having a fixed camera (e.g., without a gimbal or having a manually adjustable gimbal), and a control system configured to establish a still camera position at an image capture point for an extended time at a predetermined pitch angle. This implementation allows a camera fixed to the UAV to capture a photo(s) at a pitch angle for a predetermined image capture time, given that there is enough space to obstacles/ground to avoid a crash. The control system plans the optimum flight path for achieving minimal movement for a given position and camera angle.