UAV Flight Path Mapping for Real-Time Survey Resolution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for generating real-time maps using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are limited, as they often require offline processing and do not allow for a wide area to be surveyed in real-time, restricting the user's field of view and requiring expensive post-processing for map generation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for generating real-time maps using a movable object with at least one image capture device, which includes determining a flight path based on desired map resolution, obtaining images, and processing them in real-time to create a map, utilizing a controller with processors to execute instructions for image capture, processing, and flight control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If offline processing is used to generate maps from captured image data, then map generation accuracy is improved, but real-time survey capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by capturing images continuously during flight along predetermined paths, storing them for later processing. This allows the actual map generation to occur offline while the survey itself is conducted in real-time, resolving the contradiction between real-time capability and processing accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The survey area is divided into multiple segments covered by individual images taken at different positions along the flight path. Each image segment is processed independently and then assembled into a complete map, allowing parallel processing and maintaining both real-time capture and accurate offline generation.
2Device complexity
If a camera's field of view is used to survey an area, then device complexity is reduced, but survey area coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single static camera view to multiple dynamic views by moving the camera through three-dimensional space along a flight path. This adds temporal and spatial dimensions to the survey process, expanding coverage area while maintaining simple camera hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable object serves multiple functions: it acts as both the platform for image capture and as the means to achieve wide area coverage. By making the camera-bearing object movable rather than stationary, the system achieves both simple device architecture and extensive survey coverage.
3Manufacturing precision
If expensive post-processing is used to generate maps, then map quality is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By capturing images systematically along predetermined flight paths with known positions and orientations, the system performs preliminary organization of data during acquisition. This reduces the complexity and cost of subsequent processing while maintaining map quality, as the data is already structured for efficient assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for generating a real-time map of a survey area are provided. The methods and systems may include or be configured to carry out the steps of determining, based on a desired map resolution, a flight path over the survey area for a movable object having at least one image capture device. The methods and systems further may include obtaining images of the survey area captured by the at least one image capture device as the movable object travels along the flight path, and processing the images to generate the real-time map of the survey area with the desired map resolution.