Overlapping Opposed Fisheye Optics for UAV Parallax Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight control systems rely on overlapping fields of view from optical elements with limited angular coverage, which restricts the ability to determine parallax disparity and maintain precise distance and speed control around objects.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a first optical element with a field of view greater than 180 degrees and a second optical element with an opposing field of view, allowing for overlap and enabling the determination of parallax disparity, which is used to provide flight control for the UAV, including maintaining distances and speeds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If optical elements with limited angular coverage are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of parallax disparity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic adjustment of optical element angles and positions to optimize the field of view coverage. The optical elements can rotate and adjust their orientation to capture images from multiple angles, thereby improving parallax disparity measurement without permanently increasing device complexity through fixed multi-element structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal dimension by capturing images at different time points with adjusted optical element positions. This allows the system to achieve comprehensive angular coverage through sequential imaging rather than simultaneous multi-element arrays, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If optical elements with limited angular coverage are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability of flight control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamically adjustable optical elements that can change their field of view coverage during operation. This allows a simpler manufacturing process with fewer fixed optical components while maintaining reliable flight control through real-time adjustment of imaging parameters based on flight conditions and object positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters such as optical element angles, distances, and imaging timing to adapt to different flight scenarios. This enables reliable flight control across varying conditions without requiring complex multi-element optical systems, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If the field of view is increased to improve parallax disparity determination, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging function into multiple sequential captures using a single or fewer optical elements. By segmenting the wide-field imaging task into multiple targeted shots with adjusted optical parameters, the system achieves comprehensive parallax measurement without requiring a physically complex wide-angle optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system compensates for limited optical field of view by introducing temporal and positional dimensions. Through multiple imaging cycles with adjusted drone position and optical element orientation, the system synthesizes comprehensive parallax data that would otherwise require complex simultaneous multi-element optics.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enhances the UAV's ability to maintain precise control around objects by accurately determining parallax disparity, enabling stable and efficient flight operations.
Implementation Method 1
images of an object captured by the image sensors may be used to determine parallax disparity of the object
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to providing flight control for an unmanned aerial vehicle based on opposing fields of view with overlap. The UAV may include a housing, a motor, a first image sensor, a second image sensor, a first optical element having a first field of view greater than 180 degrees, a second optical element having a second field of view greater than 180 degrees, and one or more processors. The first optical element and the second optical element may be carried by the housing such that a centerline of the second field of view is substantially opposite from a centerline of the first field of view, and a peripheral portion of the first field of view and a peripheral portion of the second field of view overlap. Flight control for the UAV may be provided based on parallax disparity of an object within the overlapping fields of view.