Multi-Gimbal UAV Control for Synchronized Sensor Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are limited by carrying a single gimbal, restricting their ability to capture multiple types of images or data simultaneously, such as infrared and visible light images, which hinders their operational flexibility and efficiency in applications like fire rescue and environmental inspections.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a multi-gimbal system on UAVs, allowing for the attachment of multiple gimbals, each supporting different types of cameras or payloads, with a platform and interface system for easy coupling and control, enabling independent or synchronized operation of these gimbals using remote controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single gimbal is mounted on a UAV, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability and productivity are limited due to inability to capture multiple data types simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple independent gimbals, each capable of mounting different types of cameras (visible light, infrared, etc.). This segmentation allows each gimbal to be optimized for specific sensor types while the overall system gains versatility through combination of multiple specialized units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal gimbal platform that can accommodate various camera types through standardized mounting interfaces. Each gimbal serves multiple functions by being able to mount different sensor types, and the system as a whole provides multi-functional capability through coordinated operation of multiple gimbals.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras are mounted on a single gimbal, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to interference and limited viewing angles
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mounting multiple cameras on a single gimbal, the patent segments them into separate gimbals. This ensures each camera has its own dedicated stabilization platform, eliminating mechanical interference and allowing each sensor to capture data from its optimal viewing angle independently.
3Adaptability or versatility
If camera changes are performed frequently to capture different data types, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of time and productivity decrease due to landing and remounting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares multiple gimbals with different camera types in advance, all mounted on the UAV before flight. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for landing and remounting cameras during operations, as the required sensors are already positioned and ready for immediate use.
Solution Approach 2:
By having multiple gimbals with different sensors mounted simultaneously, the system enables continuous data collection across multiple modalities without interruption. The UAV can maintain flight while all gimbals operate concurrently, ensuring uninterrupted surveillance and data capture.
4Productivity
If a single gimbal is used, then the ease of operation is high, but the productivity is limited due to inability to inspect multiple areas simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple gimbals into a coordinated system where they operate together under unified control. The gimbals can be controlled independently for specialized tasks or synchronized for coordinated inspection, combining their capabilities to achieve productivity gains while maintaining operational simplicity through integrated control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes showing a plurality of regions on a display each associated with a respective gimbal of a plurality of gimbals carried by a movable object and configured to depict data captured by a payload carried by the respective gimbal. The plurality of regions include a first region and a second region, and the plurality of gimbals include a first gimbal associated with the first region and a second gimbal associated with the second region. The method further includes, in response to a user interaction with the first region, controlling operation of the first gimbal and not operation of the second gimbal based on the user interaction with the first region when the movable object is operating in an independent mode, and simultaneously controlling the operation of the first gimbal and at least the operation of the second gimbal in a synchronized manner based on the user interaction with the first region when the movable object is operating in a simultaneous mode.