Tethered Flying Camera Localization for Stable Aerial Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerial imaging solutions, both flying and non-flying, face challenges in control complexity, susceptibility to wind, and limited viewpoint accessibility, with existing flying solutions requiring pilot training and being prone to collisions, and non-flying solutions being cumbersome and restrictive.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a volitant body with an actuator, control unit, and mechanical arrangement connected to a reference point via a string assembly, allowing for stabilization, attitude control, and user interaction through mechanical forces, eliminating the need for external infrastructure and enabling intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flying solutions are used for aerial imaging, then viewpoint accessibility is improved, but control complexity and susceptibility to wind increase
Solution Approach 1:
A string assembly acts as a mechanical intermediary connecting the flying camera to a reference point on the ground. This string provides passive stabilization and localization, eliminating the need for complex active control systems while maintaining viewpoint accessibility. The string serves as both a physical connector and a reference for position estimation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flying camera uses its own propulsion system to maintain position relative to the string, rather than relying on external control infrastructure. The evaluation unit on the camera itself processes sensor data to determine position and attitude, enabling autonomous operation without complex external control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flying solutions are used for aerial imaging, then viewpoint accessibility is improved, but reliability decreases due to collisions and wind susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The string assembly serves as a safety intermediary that physically tethers the flying camera to the ground, preventing uncontrolled collisions with obstacles. The string acts as a passive safety mechanism that limits the camera's travel distance and provides mechanical stabilization against wind and turbulence.
Solution Approach 2:
The string assembly provides beforehand cushioning by being pre-tensioned and ready to absorb forces before collisions occur. The mechanical connection is established in advance to prevent catastrophic failures, and the evaluation unit monitors position to maintain safe distances from obstacles.
3Ease of operation
If non-flying solutions with extendable poles are used, then control simplicity is improved, but viewpoint accessibility and portability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical extendable pole system with an aerial vehicle that uses its own propulsion and a lightweight string assembly. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy support structures like poles, masts, or base stations, improving portability while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive string-based control.
4Reliability
If mechanical arrangement with string assembly is used, then reliability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex control system from external infrastructure and places it entirely on the flying camera itself. The string assembly is kept deliberately simple as a passive mechanical connector, while the evaluation unit on the camera handles all complex processing of sensor data to determine position, attitude, and user interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The string assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical stabilization, acts as a localization reference, enables user interaction through force sensing, and serves as a safety tether. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, offsetting the added complexity with consolidated design.
Data Source
AI summary
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an arrangement comprising, a volitant body comprising at least one actuator; a control unit for controlling said actuator; and a mechanical arrangement for operationally connecting said volitant body to a reference point remote from said volitant body. There is further provided a corresponding method for operating such an arrangement.