Rotating LED Ring for Drone Persistence-of-Vision Writing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote-controlled drones lack the capability to create the effect of writing words in the air using a combination of LED lights in a cycling motion that is reactive to sound, primarily used for nighttime displays against a dark sky, as they typically only turn lights on or off to mimic independent movement.
Innovation Solution
A remote-controlled drone equipped with a software algorithm and a rotating LED lighting ring that can move independently of the drone, reacting to sound and other stimuli, creating the illusion of writing shapes or words in the air by using a drone frame, motors, a LED microcontroller, and wireless communication to control the LED lights and drone movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the drone uses simple on/off lights to mimic independent movement, then the device complexity is low, but the visual display capability and ability to create persistence of vision effects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is segmented into multiple independent LED lights arranged in a circular pattern, each可控 independently. This allows the drone to create complex visual patterns and persistence of vision effects by controlling individual LEDs, rather than using a single on/off light system.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system transitions from static on/off control to dynamic control where LEDs can be individually activated at different times and positions. The independent movement capability of the lighting apparatus relative to the drone body enables dynamic visual displays that adapt to flight movements.
2Illumination intensity
If the LED housing moves independently around the drone axis, then the persistence of vision effect is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to additional motors and bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting apparatus is merged with the drone structure such that the LED housing is mounted on the drone frame arms. The bearing allows the LED housing to rotate independently while remaining structurally integrated with the drone, combining the benefits of independent movement with structural efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A bearing is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the drone frame and the LED housing. This bearing enables smooth independent rotation of the LED housing around the drone axis without requiring complex mechanical linkages, simplifying the overall structure while achieving the desired independent movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the drone reacts to sound and other stimuli in real-time, then the adaptability and visual display capability are improved, but the processing requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drone incorporates sensors (microphone for audio, light/thermal sensors for visual input) that provide real-time feedback to the control system. The software processes this feedback and dynamically adjusts LED activation patterns and drone movements, creating adaptive visual displays that respond to environmental stimuli.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone's control system is designed with multi-functionality, handling both flight control and visual display coordination through integrated software. The same processing unit manages motor control, sensor input, and LED patterning, reducing overall system complexity despite the multiple functions.
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
The solution enables the drone to create a persistence of vision display, making the drone itself invisible under low light conditions, providing a visually stimulating effect by allowing the LED lights to move independently and react to audio or visual inputs, effectively writing in the air.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one LED light creates a persistence of vision such that the drone is invisible in relation to the at least one LED light
Data Source
AI summary
There is a remote control device or drone, which has software and a combination of lights or LED on an lighting ring or apparatus that can move independently of the drone; the drone can be programmed or be reactive to sound or other stimulus to create the effect of writing shapes or words in the air and typically at nighttime against a dark sky.