UAV Imaging System with Deployable Illumination Drone
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in low-light conditions due to the decline in illumination with distance, and existing stationary remote lights are difficult to reconfigure or move.
Innovation Solution
An aerial imaging system comprising a first UAV with a camera and a second UAV that can dock and deploy to provide adjustable illumination, allowing the second UAV to fly independently to maintain optimal lighting for the camera, using processor determination and proximity sensors to maintain position relative to the target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a built-in flash or onboard light is used as a primary light source, then illumination is provided for the camera, but the illumination intensity declines with distance from the target
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the illumination function into a separate modular component (second UAV with light source) that can be independently positioned. This allows the light source to be segmented from the camera platform, enabling the light to be placed closer to the target while the camera maintains its imaging position, thereby resolving the contradiction between illumination intensity and distance.
Solution Approach 2:
A second UAV acts as an intermediary carrier for the light source, positioned between the first UAV (camera platform) and the target. This intermediary allows the illumination function to be decoupled from the imaging function, enabling optimal positioning of the light source close to the target to maintain high illumination intensity regardless of camera-to-target distance.
2Illumination intensity
If stationary remote lights are used to illuminate a scene, then illumination is provided, but the lights require advanced setup and cannot be easily reconfigured or moved
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the static, fixed-position remote lights into a dynamic, mobile illumination platform using a second UAV that can fly to and from the target area. This dynamic positioning capability allows the light source to be easily reconfigured and moved between different locations without requiring advanced setup procedures, resolving the contradiction between providing illumination and maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The second UAV with the light source can autonomously navigate to the target area and position itself optimally for illumination, reducing the need for manual setup and reconfiguration by operators. The system serves itself by using autonomous flight capabilities to handle the positioning and deployment of the illumination source, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining effective illumination.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the second UAV flies independently from the first UAV, then adjustable illumination is provided, but autonomous operation requires complex positioning control
Solution Approach 1:
The first UAV's camera captures images that serve as feedback to determine the position and illumination effectiveness of the second UAV. This visual feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust the second UAV's position and the light source's orientation to achieve optimal illumination, reducing the complexity of positioning control by using image-based feedback rather than complex manual or pre-programmed control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The first UAV's camera serves multiple functions: it captures the target scene for imaging purposes and simultaneously provides visual feedback for controlling the second UAV's illumination positioning. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by reusing existing components for multiple purposes, eliminating the need for separate positioning sensors or control systems on the second UAV.
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
Enables effective imaging in low-light conditions by ensuring sufficient illumination is maintained at the target, allowing for autonomous operation and adjustable lighting without the need for complex setup or operator input.
Implementation Method 1
a light configured to provide illumination for the camera... The light may emit in an infrared spectrum
Implementation Method 2
a camera and may be configured to receive input from an operator... activating the camera to photograph the target of photography
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3B
Figure 4A
AI summary
An aerial imaging system and method of aerially capturing an image including a first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and a second UAV. The first UAV includes a camera and may be configured to receive input from an operator. The second UAV may be configured to dock with and deploy from the first UAV. The second UAV includes a light configured to provide remote illumination for the camera. The light on the second UAV may be activated to illuminate a target of photography by the camera while the second UAV is flown separate from the first UAV.