Omnidirectional UAV Tracking to Reduce Yawing Control Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with a single camera face inefficiencies in tracking objects due to the need to yaw and adjust their heading to maintain the object within the camera's angle of view, which can lead to increased control complexity and reduced tracking efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A UAV configured with multiple cameras capable of omnidirectional image capture, allowing it to detect objects in 360 degrees and adjust its flight to maintain the object within a specified distance and angle range, reducing the need for excessive yawing and enhancing tracking efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single camera is used for tracking, then the device complexity is reduced, but the tracking efficiency deteriorates due to excessive yawing required to maintain the object within the angle of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single camera system into multiple cameras arranged in different directions (front, rear, left, right). Each camera captures images from its specific direction, eliminating the need for the UAV to yaw to track objects. The segmentation of the visual field across multiple cameras resolves the contradiction by improving tracking efficiency without requiring excessive rotational movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point (single camera) view to a multi-dimensional (omnidirectional) view by arranging cameras in different spatial directions. This dimensional expansion allows the system to capture objects from any direction simultaneously, eliminating the need for yawing movements and significantly improving tracking efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If the UAV yaws to maintain the object within the camera's angle of view, then the object remains visible, but the control complexity increases and tracking efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent camera channels, each monitoring a specific direction. This eliminates the need for complex coordinated yawing control, as each camera independently captures objects in its field of view. The segmentation simplifies the control logic while improving ease of tracking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical yawing system with an optical/computational system. Instead of physically rotating the UAV to keep objects in view, the system uses multiple fixed cameras and computational image processing to achieve the same effect, thereby reducing mechanical control complexity while improving tracking ease.
3Productivity
If multiple cameras are used for omnidirectional capture, then the tracking efficiency improves by reducing yawing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each camera universal by positioning them to cover different directional fields (front, rear, left, right). Each camera serves multiple purposes: tracking objects in its specific direction, providing omnidirectional coverage, and eliminating the need for yawing. This multi-functionality approach justifies the added hardware complexity by delivering significant tracking efficiency improvements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-point view to a multi-dimensional omnidirectional view by strategically placing cameras in different spatial directions. This dimensional expansion captures objects from any direction simultaneously, eliminating the need for yawing movements and significantly improving tracking efficiency despite the increased number of cameras.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device includes a sensor, an actuator, and a processor. The sensor is configured to sense at least one external object in a direction of 360 degrees outside the electronic device. The actuator configured to allow the electronic device to move or yaw. The processor is configured to verify an angle corresponding to a location of the at least one external object among the 360 degrees and a distance between the at least one external object and the electronic device using the sensor. When the distance does not belong to a specified range, the processor is also configured to move the electronic device in a direction corresponding to the angle using the actuator such that the distance belongs to the specified range.