UAV Obstacle Avoidance Using Binocular Sector Coverage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV obstacle avoidance systems face low success rates due to 'dead zones' caused by physical limitations of cameras and arms, which prevent detection of obstacles in certain directions, leading to potential collisions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method using multiple binocular cameras to detect obstacle distances and determine obstacle avoidance policies based on flight direction, including emergency braking calculations and safe distance management, to enhance obstacle detection and avoidance capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single camera or limited camera configuration is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but dead zones are created in obstacle detection
Solution Approach 1:
The obstacle detection space is segmented into multiple sectors, with each binocular camera responsible for detecting obstacles in specific sectors. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage of the surrounding environment while maintaining a manageable camera configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple binocular cameras are merged into a unified obstacle avoidance system, where each camera detects obstacles in its specific sectors and the data is integrated to provide comprehensive obstacle detection coverage, eliminating dead zones.
2Productivity
If the UAV flies at higher speed, then the productivity is improved, but the obstacle avoidance response time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary obstacle detection and distance calculation for multiple sectors in advance, maintaining real-time awareness of obstacle positions. This allows the UAV to respond quickly to obstacles even at higher speeds, as the detection and calculation are already prepared.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously provides feedback on obstacle distances and positions, enabling real-time adjustments to flight path and speed. This feedback mechanism ensures safe obstacle avoidance while maintaining high flight speeds.
3Reliability
If emergency braking is applied frequently, then the obstacle avoidance success rate is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates precise braking distances and applies only the necessary braking force required for safe obstacle avoidance. By calculating the exact distance needed to stop or adjust course, the system avoids excessive braking and reduces energy consumption while maintaining high obstacle avoidance success rates.
Data Source
AI summary
An obstacle avoidance method is applicable to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV includes binocular cameras. The the obstacle avoidance method includes: acquiring a binocular direction corresponding to each binocular camera, each binocular direction being corresponding to obstacle sectors; detecting an obstacle distance of each of obstacle sectors corresponding to each binocular direction; determining an obstacle distance in each binocular direction according to the obstacle distance of each of obstacle sectors corresponding to each binocular direction; and determining an obstacle avoidance policy according to the obstacle distance in each binocular direction with reference to a flight direction of the UAV. By determining the obstacle distance in each binocular direction, and then determining the obstacle avoidance policy with reference to the flight direction of the UAV, the obstacle avoidance success rate of the UAV is improved.