Autonomous Aerial Vehicle Camera Integration for Stereo Vision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing autonomous aerial vehicles face challenges in efficiently navigating and tracking objects in a physical environment due to limited space and power constraints from increased camera usage, which affects maneuverability and flight time.

Innovation Solution

Integrating image capture devices within rotor assemblies and optimizing camera arrangements to reduce weight and power consumption while maintaining effective stereoscopic vision, including the use of hybrid mechanical-digital gimbals for object tracking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple cameras are used for stereoscopic vision and object tracking, then navigation and tracking capabilities are improved, but weight and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestereoscopic vision capabilityVSAvoidvehicle weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple cameras into integrated camera modules that are merged with existing vehicle structures such as rotor assemblies, fuselage components, or wing structures. This merging approach allows stereoscopic vision capabilities to be achieved while minimizing additional weight by sharing structural support and reducing redundant components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera modules are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - providing both stereoscopic vision for depth perception and object tracking capabilities. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized camera systems, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining enhanced navigation and tracking performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple cameras are used for stereoscopic vision and object tracking, then navigation and tracking capabilities are improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveobject tracking capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates camera modules with existing vehicle systems, allowing shared processing resources and power management. By merging camera functions with the vehicle's central processing unit and power distribution system, the patent reduces redundant power consumption while maintaining enhanced object tracking capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The camera system implements periodic action by capturing images at optimized intervals rather than continuously, and by activating specific cameras based on operational needs. This approach significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining effective object tracking and stereoscopic vision during autonomous navigation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Volume of moving object

If camera modules are integrated into rotor assemblies, then weight distribution and space utilization are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the vehicle into modular components with camera modules integrated as distinct units within rotor assemblies or fuselage sections. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual modules that can be assembled through conventional techniques, reducing overall manufacturing complexity despite the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The camera modules are nested within existing structural components such as rotor assemblies or fuselage bays, utilizing available space efficiently. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization without requiring complete redesign of existing structures, thereby limiting the increase in manufacturing complexity to manageable levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS12365452B2Autonomous aerial vehicle hardware configuration

Publication Date: 2025.07.22 SKYDIO INC

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.