Flying Camera Control via Image Operations for Reduced Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for imaging using a camera installed in a radio-controllable flying body require extensive training for both flying and camera manipulation, making them cumbersome and difficult to operate instantaneously.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method that includes an image display unit to capture and display images from the flying body's camera, and a flight instruction generation unit to convert user operations on the displayed images into flight instructions for the flying body, allowing for instantaneous control of the flying body and camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a proportional control system is used to manipulate the flying body and camera, then the flying body can be controlled, but extensive training is required making the operation complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an image display unit as an intermediary between the user and the flying body control system. The user interacts with the displayed image rather than directly controlling the flying body, and the system automatically converts image operations into coordinated flight and camera instructions. This mediator simplifies the user interface and eliminates the need for extensive proportional control training.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical proportional control system with an automated image-based control system. Instead of manually manipulating flight controls and camera controls separately, the user performs operations on the displayed image, and the system automatically translates these into the appropriate flight and camera commands, substituting complex mechanical control with automated image processing and command generation.
2Device complexity
If separate manipulation of flying body and camera is required, then precise control is possible, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of the flying body and the camera into a unified image-based control system. The flight instruction generation unit integrates both flight control and camera control functions, allowing the user to manipulate both the flying body's position and the camera's orientation through a single interface—the displayed image—thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining precise control.
Solution Approach 2:
The image display unit serves multiple functions: it displays the captured image, accepts user operations, and serves as the basis for generating both flight instructions and camera control instructions. This multi-functional interface eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms for the flying body and camera, simplifying the overall system while preserving precise control capabilities.
3Productivity
If traditional control methods are used, then the flying body can be maneuvered, but the productivity decreases due to extensive training requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The image display unit acts as an intelligent intermediary that automatically translates simple user gestures into complex coordinated commands for both the flying body and camera. This eliminates the need for users to spend time learning proportional control operations, allowing immediate productive use of the system with intuitive image-based interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the time-consuming mechanical proportional control system with an automated image-processing-based control system. The flight instruction generation unit automatically processes image operations and generates appropriate flight and camera commands in real-time, eliminating training requirements and immediately maximizing user productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a control device including an image display unit configured to acquire, from a flying body, an image captured by an imaging device provided in the flying body and to display the image, and a flight instruction generation unit configured to generate a flight instruction for the flying body based on content of an operation performed with respect to the image captured by the imaging device and displayed by the image display unit.