Spatial Vector Drone Control for Controller-Free Flight Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drone control methods require significant skill and equipment, including remote control devices that are prone to interference and battery limitations, and alternative methods like gesture or voice control are unreliable due to user errors and environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A spatial vector-based control system that automatically determines a drone's flightpath attributes, such as direction, distance, and speed, based on the spatial vector between the drone and a reference object, allowing for intuitive and cost-effective control without a physical controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote control devices are used for drone control, then the drone can be operated from ground level, but the control is prone to interference and battery limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical remote control system with an optical-based gesture recognition system. The drone captures images of the operator's hand gestures using an onboard camera, and the control system processes these images to determine flight commands. This substitution eliminates the need for radio frequency communication and battery-powered remote controllers, thereby resolving the reliability issues associated with interference and power limitations.
2Ease of operation
If gesture or voice control methods are used, then no physical controller is needed, but control is unreliable due to user errors and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the drone's control system continuously monitors the captured images of hand gestures and adjusts its interpretation based on the spatial vector calculations. The feedback loop ensures that control commands are derived from stable and recognizable gesture patterns, reducing the impact of environmental conditions and user errors on control reliability.
3Ease of operation
If traditional remote control equipment is used, then drone control is possible, but significant skill and equipment are required
Solution Approach 1:
The drone performs self-service by using its own onboard camera and processing system to capture and interpret the operator's hand gestures. The control system automatically calculates the spatial vector between the drone and the gesture, derives flight commands, and executes them without requiring external remote control equipment. This eliminates the need for separate controllers and reduces the skill barrier for drone operation.
4Ease of operation
If spatial vector-based control is implemented, then intuitive control without physical controller is achieved, but automated determination of flightpath attributes is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining the relationship between hand gesture positions and corresponding flightpath attributes. The control system is programmed with the logic to automatically determine direction, distance, and speed based on the spatial vector calculated from the gesture position. This preliminary programming enables intuitive control while automating the complex flightpath determination process.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling movement of a drone is disclosed. A spatial vector between a flight-capable drone and a reference object is computed. The spatial vector defines a direction and a distance by which the drone is spaced from the reference object. Flightpath attributes based on the computed vector are determined. The flightpath attributes include one or more of a flight direction, a flight distance, and a flight speed. The flight direction is variable as a function of the direction of the spatial vector. The flight distance is variable as a function of the distance of the spatial vector. The flight speed is variable as a function of the distance of the spatial vector. In an automated operation, movement of the drone is controlled according to the determined flightpath attributes.