Rotor-Integrated Camera Arrays for Stereo Aerial Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing autonomous aerial vehicles face challenges in efficiently navigating and tracking objects in dynamic environments while optimizing image capture for both navigation and display purposes, often requiring significant computational resources and compromising on image quality.
Innovation Solution
The integration of multiple image capture devices with varying resolutions and adjustable orientations, combined with a hybrid mechanical-digital gimbal system, allows for efficient navigation, object tracking, and high-quality image capture, while optimizing computational load.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple image capture devices with varying resolutions are integrated, then image capture quality and navigation accuracy are improved, but device complexity and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image capture system into multiple specialized devices with different resolutions and orientations, where each device serves specific navigation or display purposes. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for different functions without requiring all devices to operate at maximum capability, thereby managing computational load while maintaining high image capture quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Different image capture devices are assigned different resolution characteristics based on their specific functions. For example, higher resolution devices are used for detailed object tracking while lower resolution devices handle general navigation, optimizing the balance between image quality and computational requirements for each local function within the system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple image capture devices with varying resolutions are integrated, then image capture quality and navigation accuracy are improved, but processing demands and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs lower resolution image capture devices for general navigation tasks where maximum precision is not required, reserving high resolution devices for specific object tracking or display purposes. This partial application of high computational resources only where needed reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining sufficient navigation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the resolution and processing parameters of different image capture devices based on the current operational requirements. When high navigation accuracy is needed, the system increases processing demands on specific devices; when standard navigation suffices, it reduces processing demands, thereby optimizing energy consumption across the entire system.
3Measurement precision
If image capture devices are optimized for high-resolution imaging, then image quality is improved, but device weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image capture functionality across multiple devices of varying sizes and weights, rather than relying on a single heavy high-resolution device. This allows the system to achieve high image quality through coordinated operation of lighter, purpose-specific devices while reducing overall structural complexity and weight.
Data Source
AI summary
An introduced autonomous aerial vehicle can include multiple cameras for capturing images of a surrounding physical environment that are utilized for motion planning by an autonomous navigation system. In some embodiments, the cameras can be integrated into one or more rotor assemblies that house powered rotors to free up space within the body of the aerial vehicle. In an example embodiment, an aerial vehicle includes multiple upward-facing cameras and multiple downward-facing cameras with overlapping fields of view to enable stereoscopic computer vision in a plurality of directions around the aerial vehicle. Similar camera arrangements can also be implemented in fixed-wing aerial vehicles.