Mobile Collapsible Calibration Enclosure for UAV Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional calibration methods for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sensors are time-consuming and require large, fixed infrastructure, limiting their portability and efficiency in multiple locations.
Innovation Solution
A mobile calibration system that includes a portable, collapsible enclosure with turntables and adjustable targets, allowing for autonomous calibration of UAV sensors by rotating the UAV around multiple axes, reducing the need for extensive infrastructure and enabling semi- or fully-autonomous calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods are used, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but calibration time is excessive and requires large fixed infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static calibration room into a dynamic mobile system that can be transported to different locations. The calibration apparatus is mounted on a vehicle platform, allowing the calibration process to move rather than requiring the UAV to be transported to a fixed calibration facility. This dynamic approach reduces calibration time by bringing the infrastructure to the UAV while maintaining calibration accuracy through controlled environmental conditions within the mobile enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration system is divided into modular components including the mobile enclosure, turntable mechanism, target assembly, and computing device. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easy deployment and setup at different locations, reducing overall calibration time while maintaining the precision required for accurate sensor calibration.
2Measurement precision
If conventional calibration methods are used, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but the system requires large fixed infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system transitions from a static fixed-room configuration to a dynamic mobile platform mounted on a vehicle. This allows the system to be transported to multiple UAV locations, providing adaptability and versatility while maintaining calibration accuracy through controlled environmental conditions within the mobile enclosure and standardized calibration procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile calibration system is designed to serve multiple functions and locations. The same apparatus can calibrate different UAV sensors (cameras, LIDAR, GPS) and can be deployed at various field locations, making the system universally applicable rather than location-specific. This multi-functionality enhances adaptability while maintaining measurement precision through consistent calibration protocols.
3Measurement precision
If manual calibration procedures are used, then calibration accuracy can be achieved, but labor costs and time are excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration system incorporates automated mechanisms including a motorized turntable that rotates the UAV platform, computer-controlled target positioning, and software-driven calibration algorithms. These self-service features reduce manual labor requirements while maintaining calibration accuracy through precise control and measurement, thereby improving productivity and reducing both time and labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calibration operations with automated computer-controlled systems. The turntable rotation, target positioning, and data acquisition are controlled through software rather than manual manipulation. This substitution of mechanical/manual processes with automated control systems maintains measurement precision while significantly improving calibration efficiency and reducing labor requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile calibration room may be used for calibrating one or more sensors used on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). A system can include folding or collapsible walls to enable the system to be moved between a stowed position and a deployed position. In the deployed position, the system can comprise a calibration room including one or more 2D or 3D targets used to calibrate one or more sensors (e.g., cameras) on a UAV. The system can include a turntable to rotate the UAV about a first axis during calibration. The system can also include a cradle to rotate the UAV around, or translate the UAV along, a second axis. The turntable can include a frame to rotate the UAV around a third axis during calibration. The mobile calibration room can be coupled to a vehicle to enable the mobile calibration room to be moved between locations.