UAV Hand Launch and Landing Using Sensor-Based Gesture Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current UAVs require extensive training and practice for amateur operators to master landing and takeoff, especially on uneven surfaces and in adverse environmental conditions, making these processes challenging and inaccessible to those with little training.

Innovation Solution

The development of methods and apparatus for launching and landing UAVs using sensors to detect positional changes and visual signals, allowing for automatic activation of rotor blades to generate lift and thrust, enabling quick and precise control, including the use of touch, pressure, temperature, and visual sensors to detect hand release or contact for autonomous operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional manual control methods are used for UAV launch and landing, then the UAV can be operated with basic equipment, but extensive training and practice are required to master these operations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of UAV launch and landing operationVSAvoidTime required for training and practice
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The UAV system performs launch and landing operations autonomously by detecting visual signals and automatically controlling rotor blade activation. The system serves itself by using onboard sensors to detect gestures and autonomously execute flight maneuvers without requiring skilled manual control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control with optical detection systems. Visual sensors capture gestures and positional changes, which are then processed by controllers to automatically actuate rotor blades, substituting the mechanical control link with an optical-detection-and-control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If automated sensor-based control is implemented, then training time is reduced and operation is simplified, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensors and controllers

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveEase of UAV launch and landing operationVSAvoidComplexity of sensor and control systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The visual sensor system serves multiple functions: detecting launch gestures, tracking positional changes during flight, and identifying landing signals. The controller integrates these various detection functions into a unified automated control system, reducing the need for separate specialized components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual control is used, then the UAV system remains simple, but operation on uneven surfaces and in adverse environmental conditions becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAbility to operate on uneven surfaces and in adverse conditionsVSAvoidComplexity of automated control systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors visual signals and positional changes during flight, providing real-time feedback to the controller. This feedback mechanism enables the UAV to automatically adjust its flight path and rotor blade control in response to environmental conditions and surface variations, enhancing adaptability to uneven terrain and adverse conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

These methods simplify the launch and landing processes, allowing UAVs to operate autonomously in various conditions, reducing the need for extensive training and enabling operation on uneven surfaces and in challenging environments, improving user accessibility and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The detection of the release can be performed by one or more of the following sensors including without limitation, a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a photosensor, and a magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTouch sensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

The detection of the release can be performed by one or more of the following sensors including without limitation, a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a photosensor, and a magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensor detection:

Implementation Method 3

The detection of the release can be performed by one or more of the following sensors including without limitation, a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a photosensor, and a magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensor detection:

Implementation Method 4

The detection of the release can be performed by one or more of the following sensors including without limitation, a touch sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, a photosensor, and a magnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotosensor detection:

Implementation Method 5

an actuator configured to cause the one or more rotor blades to move and generate a lift and/or thrust in response to the actuating signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLift generation:

Implementation Method 6

an actuator configured to cause the one or more rotor blades to move and generate a lift and/or thrust in response to the actuating signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrust generation:

Data Source

PatentEP3552955B1Methods for launching and landing an unmanned aerial vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.07.14 SZ DJI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3552955B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3552955B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3552955B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods and apparatus are provided for launching and landing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) including multi-rotor aircrafts. The methods and apparatus disclosed herein utilize positional change of the UAV, visual signal, or other means to effect the launch or landing. The methods and apparatus disclosed herein are user friendly, particularly to amateur UAV users lacking practice of operating a UAV.