UAV Camera Tilt Axis for Unidirectional Distortion in 3D Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for aerial imagery using small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are limited by low resolution and narrow field of view, requiring longer flight times and insufficient ground area coverage due to the use of fixed mount cameras, which restricts the ability to capture high-quality 3D images of large areas with sufficient perspective.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a single camera that moves to capture images in both nadir and oblique perspectives by rotating about the pan and tilt axes, allowing for overlapping images to be taken in a step-stare manner, reducing the number of images needed and simplifying post-processing by minimizing distortion to unidirectional skewing, thus enabling high-resolution 3D image reconstruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wide-angled field of view is used to map geographical targets from light-weight UAVs, then a larger area can be covered in a single shot, but the resulting image quality deteriorates with low resolution and fewer pixels per image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the image capture process into multiple sequential shots with different FOV settings. The camera captures images at varying field-of-view angles, processing multiple narrower FOV images to reconstruct a wide-area map with high resolution, rather than relying on a single wide-angled shot
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the temporal dimension by capturing images over time with changing FOV settings. Instead of attempting to capture the entire area simultaneously in one shot, the system accumulates data across multiple time points and FOV configurations to achieve both wide coverage and high resolution
2Weight of moving object
If a fixed mount camera system is used on small UAVs, then the system remains lightweight and simple, but the UAV must stay airborne longer to retrieve the same data compared to gimbaled systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static fixed mount camera into a dynamic system that actively varies its field-of-view settings during flight. The camera FOV is dynamically adjusted to capture optimal images at different angles and resolutions, enabling the lightweight fixed mount system to achieve data collection efficiency comparable to heavier gimbaled systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the camera system by varying the field-of-view angle and capture timing. By adjusting these parameters dynamically during flight, the system maximizes data collection efficiency without requiring additional mechanical complexity or increased flight time
3Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to achieve broader perspectives and better coverage, then more ground area can be imaged, but the weight of the camera system increases which is not feasible for small UAVs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single camera perform multiple functions that would traditionally require multiple cameras. By varying the FOV settings and capture timing, one camera captures data equivalent to what multiple fixed cameras would provide, achieving versatile imaging capabilities without the weight penalty of additional camera units
Data Source
AI summary
A method for capturing images of large target area using a single low FOV high resolution camera mounted on an Aerial Vehicle for 3D reconstruction is disclosed. The camera captures sets of images consisting of a nadir image a plurality of oblique images at predefined waypoints or as the Aerial Vehicle travels along a flight path. Oblique images are captured in two perpendicular directions by tilting camera about a single tilt axis at one time thereby preventing bidirectional distortion of objects in images. Further, first direction and second direction define a quadrant of area below the Aerial Vehicle. Oblique images along two perpendicular directions are captured either by using roll and pitch axes, or by using a single tilt axis and a pan axis of camera control mechanism wherein using pan axis the single tilt axis is reoriented in a perpendicular orientation to capture oblique images in perpendicular direction.