UAV Cable Cam Path Control With Spline Waypoints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV cable cam systems are limited to a maximum of ten waypoints, provide discontinuous cinematic footage, require multiple operators, and fail to dynamically adjust traversal speed, leading to poor and unsafe trajectory tracking.
Innovation Solution
A multipoint cable cam system that allows for unlimited virtual waypoints, generates spline-based flight paths, and adjusts speed based on trajectory curvature to ensure safe and smooth cinematic footage, using vision-based navigation for real-time adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If typical UAV cable cam systems use a limited number of waypoints (maximum ten), then the system complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability and versatility are worsened as complex cinematic shots requiring more than ten waypoints cannot be executed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the number of waypoints based on the complexity of the desired cinematic shot. Instead of a fixed limit of ten waypoints, the system can generate and manage an unlimited number of waypoints through automated path planning algorithms, allowing complex multi-point cinematic shots to be executed while maintaining ease of operation through automated generation and management of waypoints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of waypoint quantity from a fixed limit (ten) to a dynamic value that can be adjusted based on the complexity of the cinematic shot. The system automatically generates the appropriate number of waypoints needed for the desired shot composition, transforming the static parameter into a dynamic one that adapts to different operational requirements
2Device complexity
If typical UAV cable cam systems perform sequential waypoint-to-waypoint missions with discontinuous linear tweening, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision and quality of cinematic footage are worsened due to discontinuous and undesirable footage
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces discontinuous linear tweening with smooth curved trajectory interpolation between waypoints. Instead of moving in straight lines between points, the UAV follows curved paths that create continuous, cinematic motion. This curvature-based approach eliminates jerky transitions while maintaining manageable system complexity through mathematical interpolation algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of sequential waypoint execution with a computational approach using spline interpolation and smooth trajectory algorithms. Instead of relying on discrete mechanical positioning between waypoints, the system uses mathematical functions to generate continuous, smooth paths, improving footage quality while keeping the control system manageable
3Ease of operation
If typical UAV cable cam systems use fixed maximum speed for the entire trajectory, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability and safety are worsened due to poor and unsafe trajectory tracking when dynamic speed adjustment is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the maximum speed parameter throughout the trajectory based on real-time conditions and upcoming path complexity. Instead of a fixed speed limit, the system continuously adapts speed parameters to match the operational context, improving safety and reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated speed management that responds to trajectory requirements and environmental factors
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables single-operator control of 5-axis flight and camera trajectories with continuous, cinematic footage, ensuring safe traversal speed and trajectory adherence, even in dynamic environments.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring a visual landmark and correlating the visual landmark to a landmark in the stored GPS data. The correlating may be based on a comparison of the GPS information of the landmark in the stored GPS data with the current GPS position of the UAV relative to the visual landmark.
Implementation Method 2
processing the one or more virtual waypoints to generate a spline-based flight path. The number of virtual waypoints may be unlimited.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a method of controlling an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The steps of controlling include acquiring images with an image capture device of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The steps include analyzing the images to determine navigation information of the UAV with a vision-based navigation system. The steps include tracking a position of the UAV with the vision-based navigation system. The steps include controlling rotors of the UAV to prevent deviations in movement from a desired flight path or position of the UAV. The steps include limiting travel or flight of the UAV to a physical region determined by the desired flight path.