UAV Dynamic GPS Flight Plan for Electrical Infrastructure Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing UAV-based inspection methods for electrical infrastructures require prior knowledge of their locations and lack dynamic adjustment capabilities during flight, limiting efficiency and adaptability.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a UAV to dynamically calculate a GPS-based flight plan by acquiring images, identifying electrical infrastructures using AI, estimating GPS locations, and storing them until uncertainty is below a threshold, with a buffer and uncertainty score calculation, enabling real-time flight plan adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If UAV uses pre-programmed flight plans with known GPS locations, then flight autonomy is improved, but adaptability to unknown infrastructure locations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flight plan transitions from a static pre-programmed set of GPS locations to a dynamic trajectory that is continuously adjusted during flight based on real-time AI detection of electrical infrastructures. The UAV autonomously modifies its flight path by incorporating newly detected infrastructure locations into the flight plan, enabling adaptation to unknown locations while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV performs self-service by using its own onboard AI algorithm to detect electrical infrastructures and autonomously update its flight plan without external intervention. The system serves itself by independently identifying new targets and recalculating its trajectory, combining automation with adaptability to unknown locations.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of GPS locations is made during flight from GCS, then operational control is improved, but response time and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of GCS personnel selecting and communicating new GPS locations is replaced by an automated electronic system. The UAV's onboard AI algorithm automatically detects infrastructures, calculates new GPS locations, and updates the flight plan through electronic communication with the flight controller, eliminating manual intervention and reducing response time.
Solution Approach 2:
The AI algorithm acts as an intermediary between the UAV's sensing capabilities and the flight control system. Instead of direct manual control from GCS, the AI intermediary automatically processes visual data, identifies infrastructures, and translates this information into flight plan adjustments, enabling faster automated response while maintaining operational control.
3Area of stationary object
If UAV flies randomly to detect infrastructures, then coverage area is improved, but flight efficiency and time consumption deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the UAV's flight path against detected electrical infrastructures. When infrastructure is detected, the system provides feedback to the flight controller to adjust the trajectory toward the detected target. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures comprehensive coverage while maintaining high flight efficiency by directing the UAV purposefully toward identified inspection targets rather than random flight.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method, system, and UAV for dynamically calculating a GPS-based flight plan for inspection of electrical infrastructures are provided. The method a) acquires images while the UAV is randomly flying; b) detects an electrical infrastructure in one of the images; c) estimates a GPS location of the detected infrastructure; d) stores the estimated GPS location in a buffer; e) repeats steps a)-d) until an uncertainty score is lower or equal to a given threshold using a distance between the UAV and the estimated GPS location, an angle between an UAV trajectory and a direction between the UAV and the last estimated GPS location, and an average angle between the stored estimated GPS locations; f) denote the best GPS location as a waypoint for the flight plan; and g) guide the UAV to the waypoint. The method is repeated for all the electrical infrastructures detected until the UAV is landed.