Single Camera UAV Position Estimation Using Gyro Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for estimating the position of an object using a UAV are costly, increase device size, and reduce flight time due to increased power consumption, as they require a stereo camera for position estimation.
Innovation Solution
A computer system with an image acquisition unit, a position data acquisition unit, and a position estimation unit that acquires images and three-dimensional camera position data to estimate the absolute position of an object using a standard camera, eliminating the need for a stereo camera.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a stereo camera is used for position estimation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of position estimation from the complex stereo camera system and implements it using a single camera combined with gyro sensor data. The stereo camera's dual-lens configuration is replaced by a single camera that works in conjunction with motion sensor information to achieve the same position estimation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single camera system is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it captures images for visual recognition and simultaneously works with gyro sensor data to estimate position. This multi-functional approach replaces the specialized stereo camera system, reducing device complexity while maintaining position estimation accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a stereo camera is mounted on the UAV, then position estimation capability is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the redundant weight of the stereo camera system by extracting only the essential position estimation function and implementing it with a lighter single camera combined with existing gyro sensor data from the UAV's motion sensors.
3Measurement precision
If a stereo camera is mounted on the UAV, then position estimation capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core position estimation function from the bulky stereo camera system and implements it using a compact single camera arrangement combined with gyro sensor data, significantly reducing the volume occupied by the camera system.
4Measurement precision
If a stereo camera is used for position estimation, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the position estimation function from the high-power stereo camera system and implements it using a lower-power single camera combined with gyro sensor data, reducing the energy required for position estimation operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a computer system for estimating an absolute position of a photographed object by just photographing the object with a camera, a position estimation method, and a program. The computer system acquires an image obtained by photographing an object, acquires three-dimensional position data of a camera which photographed the object, and estimates an absolute position of the object on the basis of the three-dimensional position data of the camera. Further, the computer system enables the camera to be tilted a specified angle in a direction of the object, and estimates the absolute position of the object on the basis of the three-dimensional position data of the camera and the tilted specified angle. Moreover, the computer system stores the position of the object and an altitude at the position in association with each other, and estimates an altitude associated with the estimated position of the object.