Objective-Based UAV Control for Safe Autonomous Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV systems require piloting expertise and are prone to crashes due to pilot error, as they rely on direct control of pitch, roll, yaw, and power, making them unsafe for image capture operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an objective-based control system through an API that allows developers to specify high-level behavioral intentions, enabling autonomous flight and image capture by exposing motion planning and tracking objectives, which can be used to generate control commands for the UAV.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If direct control of pitch, roll, yaw, and power is used for UAV operation, then the UAV can be controlled with simple control inputs, but the system requires piloting expertise and is prone to crashes due to pilot error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that translates high-level mission objectives into low-level control commands. This intermediary layer includes automated navigation algorithms, obstacle detection systems, and flight path planning that mediate between the pilot's intent and the UAV's physical control surfaces, eliminating the need for direct manual control of pitch, roll, and yaw while maintaining flight safety
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV incorporates self-service capabilities through autonomous navigation systems that automatically adjust flight parameters, stabilize the platform, and respond to environmental conditions without pilot intervention. The system includes self-diagnostic functions and automated recovery procedures that enable the UAV to maintain safe operation independently, reducing reliance on pilot expertise
2Reliability
If autonomous control systems are implemented to improve safety, then pilot error is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous control system is segmented into modular functional components including navigation modules, sensor processing units, flight control algorithms, and communication systems. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently tested and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive autonomous capabilities for safety-critical functions
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for controlling an autonomous vehicle such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using objective-based inputs. In an embodiment, the underlying functionality of an autonomous navigation system is exposed via an application programming interface (API) allowing the UAV to be controlled through specifying a behavioral objective, for example, using a call to the API to set parameters for the behavioral objective. The autonomous navigation system can then incorporate perception inputs such as sensor data from sensors mounted to the UAV and the set parameters using a multi-objective motion planning process to generate a proposed trajectory that most closely satisfies the behavioral objective in view of certain constraints. In some embodiments, developers can utilize the API to build customized applications for the UAV. Such applications, also referred to as “skills,” can be developed, shared, and executed to control behavior of an autonomous UAV and aid in overall system improvement.