Objective-Based UAV Control for Precise Autonomous Flight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV systems require direct piloting expertise and are prone to crashes due to pilot error, limiting their usability for image capture tasks.
Innovation Solution
An API-based objective control system for UAVs that abstracts complex navigation and image capture processes into intuitive behavioral objectives, allowing developers to create customized applications for autonomous flight and image capture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct control of UAV is used similar to other fixed wing or rotor craft, then control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requiring piloting expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary control system that translates simple pilot inputs (such as directional commands or destination points) into complex UAV control actions. This intermediary layer abstracts the complexity of direct pitch, roll, and yaw control, allowing operators without expertise to achieve precise control through intuitive commands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems (joysticks, throttles) with an intelligent software-based control system that uses sensors, processors, and algorithms to automatically adjust UAV parameters. This substitution maintains control precision while dramatically improving ease of operation through automated decision-making and adaptive control.
2Measurement precision
If direct control of UAV is used, then control accuracy is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to crashes caused by pilot error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service control mechanisms where the UAV system autonomously monitors its own state, detects potential errors, and automatically corrects deviations. The system uses onboard sensors and processors to continuously adjust control parameters, eliminating reliance on human pilot skill and preventing crashes caused by operator error while maintaining high control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs comprehensive feedback systems that continuously monitor UAV performance parameters and compare them against desired trajectories. Real-time feedback loops enable automatic correction of control deviations, ensuring both high accuracy and reliability by preventing pilot-induced errors through automated closed-loop control.
3Measurement precision
If complex navigation control is used, then flight precision is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex navigation control system into modular functional components: sensor modules, processing modules, control algorithm modules, and actuator modules. Each module performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high flight precision through coordinated operation of simplified individual components rather than a monolithic complex system.
4Ease of operation
If autonomous control system is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal autonomous control architecture that handles multiple flight tasks (navigation, obstacle avoidance, stabilization, positioning) through a single integrated system. This multi-functional approach improves ease of operation by providing autonomous control for all operations while managing device complexity through shared hardware and software resources rather than separate systems for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for controlling an autonomous vehicle (AV) using objective-based inputs. The underlying functionality of an autonomous navigation system can be is exposed via an application programming interface (API) or similar methodology 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. Developers can utilize the API to build customized applications for the AV. Such applications, also referred to as “skills,” can be developed, shared, and executed to control behavior of an autonomous AV.