Fixed-Camera UAV Imaging With Range-Based Composite Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in capturing both zoomed-in and wide-angle views due to the limitations of long-focal-length lenses, which are costly and bulky when variable zoom lenses or additional cameras are used, increasing weight and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Combine images from multiple wider-angle cameras mounted on the UAV to generate a virtual image that simulates a wider field of view, using calibration and interpolation techniques to align and blend images, and incorporate range maps for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a variable zoom lens is used to achieve both wide-angle and zoomed-in views, then the field of view flexibility is improved, but the device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging system into multiple fixed cameras, each with a specific field of view, replacing a single variable zoom lens. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both wide-angle and zoomed-in views by combining images from multiple cameras, thereby avoiding the complexity of a variable zoom lens while maintaining field of view flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges images from multiple fixed cameras to create a composite view that simulates both wide-angle and zoomed-in perspectives. By combining the data from multiple cameras with different fields of view, the system achieves the versatility of a variable zoom lens without requiring its mechanical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an additional camera with a wider FOV lens is added to capture wide-angle views, then the field of view is improved, but the UAV weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing navigation cameras multi-functional by using them for both navigation and imaging purposes. The same cameras that provide navigation data are also used to generate wide-angle and zoomed-in views, eliminating the need for additional dedicated imaging cameras and thereby reducing UAV weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The navigation cameras on the UAV serve dual purposes: they perform their primary navigation function while simultaneously providing imaging data for generating wide-angle and zoomed-in views. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate imaging hardware, reducing overall system weight.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to achieve wide-angle coverage, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the computational requirements for image processing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration of the cameras during the manufacturing or setup phase, establishing transformation matrices and geometric relationships between cameras in advance. This preliminary action stores the computational work in lookup tables and calibration data, significantly reducing the real-time computational energy required during operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples include an aerial vehicle having a plurality of fixed cameras mounted on the aerial vehicle. The aerial vehicle further includes one or more processors configured to capture, using the plurality of fixed cameras on the aerial vehicle, a plurality of images of an environment in which the aerial vehicle is operating. Based at least on the plurality of images, the one or more processors perform image-based range estimation to determine range information including estimated distances from the aerial vehicle to one or more portions of the environment. The one or more processors associate the range information with at least one image of the plurality of images of the environment. Based at least in part on the range information, at least some of the plurality of images are displayed as a composite image at a ground device.