UAV Flight Control Using Image-Based Distance Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) lack the ability to individually adjust flight control settings based on the specific objects or performers being captured, leading to suboptimal image and video capture.

Innovation Solution

An UAV system equipped with an image sensor, processors, and control components that determine distances and adjust flight paths based on object positions, allowing for enhanced capture of coincident objects or performers by recognizing patterns and gestures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If preconfigured flight control settings are used, then the UAV can operate immediately, but the settings cannot be individualized for different capture scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividualization of flight control settingsVSAvoidmanual configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The UAV system automatically detects objects of interest using image sensors, determines their distances, and adjusts flight control settings without requiring manual user configuration. The system serves itself by autonomously adapting flight parameters to capture different scenarios optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The flight control settings are dynamically adjusted based on detected parameters such as distance to objects of interest. The system changes flight control parameters automatically according to the captured scene requirements, enabling individualization without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual manipulation is used to adjust flight control settings, then individualization is achieved, but it requires user time and effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividualization of flight control settingsVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic object detection and flight control adjustment, eliminating the need for users to manually configure settings. This self-service approach saves user time and effort while achieving scenario-specific optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system proactively detects objects and determines distances before capture, automatically preparing optimal flight control settings in advance without waiting for user input or manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If fixed flight control settings are used, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot optimize capture of dynamic interactions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapture qualityVSAvoidflight control adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors distance to objects of interest using image sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust flight control settings. This closed-loop control optimizes capture quality for dynamic interactions while managing complexity through automated feedback-driven adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The flight control settings transition from static to dynamic, automatically adapting to changing capture scenarios. The system adjusts parameters in real-time based on detected object positions and distances, enabling optimization of dynamic interactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If the UAV uses automated flight control, then operation is simplified, but it lacks the ability to adapt to specific capture scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight control operationVSAvoidscenario-specific adjustment capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The automated flight control system enhances its capability by automatically detecting objects and adjusting settings based on detected parameters. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of operation while adding scenario-specific adaptability through automated perception and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12387491B2Systems and methods for adjusting flight control of an unmanned aerial vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 SKYDIO INC

AI summary

An unmanned aerial vehicle including an image sensor and one or more processors. The image sensor is carried by the unmanned aerial vehicle and is configured to generate output signals conveying visual information. The one or more processors include a distance component and a flight control component. The distance component configured to determine a distance between an object of interest and the unmanned aerial vehicle. The flight control component is configured to adjust a flight path of the unmanned aerial vehicle based on the distance between the object of interest and the unmanned aerial vehicle. The one or more processors are configured to: receive the visual information including the object of interest; and control the image sensor with a sensor control subsystem to adjust one or more parameters of the image sensor and to detect the object of interest.