UAV Obstacle Detection Using Dynamic FOV Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in safely navigating at high speeds due to limited obstacle detection range with wide field-of-view (FOV) imaging devices, and narrowing the FOV can lead to collisions during turns without adequate detection.
Innovation Solution
UAVs use a method involving imaging devices with a narrow FOV, pointing them away from the flight direction by rotating the UAV body or using windowing to image only a portion of the FOV, allowing for earlier obstacle detection and safer high-speed flight without increasing size, weight, or power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a wide field-of-view (FOV) is used for obstacle detection, then the detection coverage is improved, but the detection range is reduced leading to collisions during turns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the FOV adjustable rather than fixed. The imaging device dynamically changes its FOV based on flight conditions: using a narrow FOV during high-speed forward flight for extended detection range, and widening the FOV during turns or low-speed operations to maintain adequate detection coverage. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between detection coverage and collision risk.
2Length of stationary object
If the FOV is narrowed to increase detection range, then the obstacle detection range is improved, but the detection coverage during turns is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the FOV width based on the UAV's flight state. During straight-flight at high speeds, a narrow FOV is used to maximize detection range. When turns are detected or during low-speed operations, the FOV is widened to ensure adequate detection coverage. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize detection range when needed while maintaining coverage when required.
3Length of stationary object
If larger imaging devices are used to improve detection range, then the obstacle detection capability is improved, but the size, weight, and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of FOV width rather than increasing imaging device size. By adjusting the FOV from narrow to wide (a parameter change), the system achieves variable detection range without modifying the physical size of the imaging device. This approach maintains detection capability while avoiding increased weight, as the same hardware is used with different operational parameters.
4Length of stationary object
If the FOV is narrowed to increase detection range, then the obstacle detection range is improved, but the image acquisition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic FOV adjustment controlled by flight state detection. A flight state detection module monitors UAV velocity and orientation, and based on these parameters, automatically selects appropriate FOV settings. This dynamic control strategy simplifies the overall system by using straightforward state-based decision logic rather than complex real-time image processing, thereby managing image acquisition complexity while maintaining extended detection range.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for autonomously operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that includes one or more imaging devices is provided. The imaging devices are pointed away from a direction in which the UAV is flying, and subsequently, an upcoming portion of a current flight path of the UAV is imaged, using the imaging devices. In response to the imaging, an obstacle on the current flight path is detected, and an alternate flight path is planned in response thereto. The UAV is then flown along the alternate flight path, instead of the current flight path. Other embodiments are also described.