Rotatable Aerial Imaging Device for 3D Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for capturing aerial images using self-piloted aircraft struggle with accurate three-dimensional reconstruction of geographical areas, particularly in urban or mountainous regions, due to limited data from inclined or vertical surfaces when using image capture devices with a nadir orientation.
Innovation Solution
Adapting the angular position of the image capture device during flight based on the geographical area's relief, allowing for a sequence change from a single to multiple or vice versa, to optimize image capture and enhance precision in three-dimensional reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If an image capture device is mounted on the aircraft with a nadir orientation, then the device is simple to implement, but the captured images contain little data on inclined or vertical surfaces resulting in inaccurate three-dimensional reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the image capture device rotatable around the aircraft's flight path axis, allowing it to dynamically change its angular position between nadir orientation (for simple implementation) and oblique orientations (for capturing inclined and vertical surfaces). This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt to different terrain features while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the angular position parameter of the image capture device during flight. The device can be positioned at different angles relative to the aircraft's longitudinal axis, allowing capture of images from multiple orientations (nadir and oblique) to improve three-dimensional reconstruction accuracy while maintaining implementation simplicity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple image capture devices with oblique orientations are mounted on the aircraft, then information on vertical surfaces is acquired, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single image capture device that can perform multiple functions: capturing images in nadir orientation for general area coverage and rotating to oblique orientations for capturing inclined and vertical surfaces. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining high three-dimensional reconstruction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a rotatable mounting mechanism that allows a single image capture device to dynamically adjust its orientation during flight, replacing the need for multiple fixed-orientation devices. This dynamic repositioning capability provides the functionality of multiple devices with the simplicity of a single device.
3Measurement precision
If the angular position of the image capture device is changed during overflight, then the accuracy of three-dimensional reconstruction is optimized, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using data from the captured images and terrain information to automatically adjust the angular position of the image capture device during flight. The system analyzes the terrain features and automatically positions the device at appropriate angles to capture optimal imagery for three-dimensional reconstruction, eliminating the need for manual control while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by autonomously determining when and how to adjust the image capture device's angular position based on terrain characteristics and flight parameters. The aircraft and imaging system work together to automatically optimize image capture angles without requiring external intervention or complex manual control procedures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for capturing aerial images carried out using an aircraft (6) self-piloted following a predetermined flight plan and an image capture device (8) mounted on the aircraft and movable relative to the aircraft (6) around an axis of rotation (B), the method comprising, during a single overflight of the geographical area by the aircraft, capturing a first series of images by positioning the image capture device iteratively according to a first sequence of angular position(s); then capturing a second series of images by positioning the image capture device iteratively according to a second sequence of angular position(s) including at least one angular position distinct from each angular position of the first sequence.