UAV Audio-Video Synchronization via Uplink
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) equipped with cameras typically cannot capture usable audio due to noise from their propellers and motors, preventing real-time audio content from being added to video recordings.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a transceiver circuit and a controller circuit that receives and transmits encoded audio and video streams with timestamp information, allowing real-time audio commentary to be synchronized and combined with video data on a UAV, eliminating the need for post-production processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If audio capture devices are mounted on the UAV platform, then audio content can be captured, but the propeller and motor noise makes the audio unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the audio capture function from the noisy UAV platform by using a separate audio source (pilot's voice transmitted via uplink channel) rather than mounting microphones on the drone. This separates the audio capture process from the harmful noise environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication channel (uplink channel) that transmits the pilot's voice from the ground control station to the UAV. This intermediary allows audio to be captured in a quiet environment and transmitted to the platform without being exposed to propeller noise.
2Adaptability or versatility
If audio is recorded separately and synchronized using time stamps, then real-time audio content can be added to video, but additional processing and coordination are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-generating time stamps for video frames during capture and using the same time stamps to synchronize audio later. This advance preparation of synchronization markers simplifies the combining process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback through time stamp comparison to ensure audio and video are properly synchronized. The time stamps provide a feedback mechanism that allows the system to align audio content with the correct video frames.
3Loss of information
If post-production processing is used to add audio to video, then audio content can be added, but time and expense are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by capturing and encoding audio content during the flight operation itself, rather than waiting for post-production. The audio is recorded, time-stamped, and prepared for synchronization while the video is being captured, eliminating the need for later processing.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a transceiver circuit and a first controller circuit. The transceiver circuit may be configured to receive an uplink channel and transmit a downlink channel. The first controller circuit configured to (i) control operation of an unmanned aerial vehicle and a camera in response to commands received via the uplink channel, (ii) capture video data from the camera, (iii) generate a first encoded video stream having a first resolution and a second encoded video stream having a second resolution, (iv) store the first encoded video stream with time stamp information on a storage medium, (v) transmit the second encoded video stream and the time stamp information via the downlink channel, (vi) receive encoded audio information associated with previously transmitted time stamp information via the uplink channel, and (vii) combine the encoded audio information with the first encoded video stream stored on the storage medium using the associated time stamp information.