Object Inspection Path Planning for Precise Drone Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current drone-based inspection systems for objects, such as wind turbines, rely on manual control, which is inefficient and prone to errors due to the lack of precise positioning and alignment, making it difficult to detect damage and requiring multiple guesses to inspect specific locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine a path along an object in absolute coordinates, allowing a movable capturing unit to automatically inspect the object by converting relative coordinates to absolute coordinates using a reference point, enabling precise positioning and alignment, and adapting to the object's movement in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control of drone is used, then the pilot can visually track the camera, but the positioning precision and alignment with the object deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control of the drone with an automated computer-controlled system. The calculating unit automatically determines the drone's position and orientation based on object data, eliminating the need for visual tracking by the pilot and achieving precise positioning through computational algorithms rather than human visual estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a calculating unit as an intermediary between the object and the drone control system. This intermediary processes object data, determines reference points, and calculates the optimal flight path and camera orientation, serving as a mediator that translates object characteristics into precise drone positioning and alignment commands.
2Loss of information
If manual control with monitor display is used, then the pilot can see camera images, but the top view positioning and alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the pilot's visual monitoring through a monitor with an automated computer vision system. The calculating unit processes camera images and object data to automatically determine positioning and alignment, substituting human visual interpretation with algorithmic image processing that achieves superior precision in determining drone position and camera orientation.
3Ease of operation
If manual control is used, then the pilot can fly to locations, but the ability to precisely return to specific defect locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the calculating unit continuously monitors the drone's position relative to the object and automatically adjusts the flight path. When a defect location is identified, the system uses the stored object data and reference points to calculate and guide the drone back to the exact same coordinates, ensuring precise repeatability of defect inspections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the object's geometry and position data, including defect locations. This digital model serves as a reference that the calculating unit uses to guide the drone back to specific locations, replacing manual memory and estimation with precise digital coordinate reproduction.
4Ease of operation
If manual control is used, then the pilot can control the drone, but the consistency of distance from object and camera alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual pilot control with an automated control system that uses the calculating unit to determine the optimal flight path and camera orientation. The system automatically maintains a consistent distance from the object by processing real-time position data and adjusting the drone's trajectory, eliminating the variability inherent in manual control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adjustment of the drone's flight parameters based on real-time conditions. The calculating unit continuously recalculates the optimal position and orientation to maintain consistent distance and alignment, adapting the flight path dynamically rather than following a fixed predetermined route.
5Ease of operation
If manual control is used, then the pilot can operate the drone, but the definition of exact trigger points for picture taking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual pilot judgment for triggering picture taking with an automated system. The calculating unit analyzes the camera images and object data to automatically identify and mark exact trigger points where defects are detected, eliminating the subjectivity and imprecision of manual decision-making.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through automatic analysis of captured images by the calculating unit. The system evaluates each image against the object model, automatically identifies defects, and triggers picture taking at precise locations without requiring manual pilot intervention, ensuring consistent and accurate trigger point definition.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a path along an object includes a step of “determining a reference point of the object in absolute coordinates”, a step of “ascertaining a set of points of the object in absolute coordinates on the basis of further points of the object within a relative coordinate system, conversion of the further points of the object to the absolute coordinate system being effected on the basis of the reference point of the object”, and a step of “determining the path along the object on the basis of the set of points of the object, so that the path extends at a distance from the object”.