Multi-Channel UAV Imaging for Multi-Angle Navigation Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imaging systems are limited by a single picture transferring channel, making it inconvenient and unsafe for operators to capture and transfer images from multiple angles, leading to interference and difficulties in navigating the UAV, especially when operators are far from the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
An aerial imaging system with multiple channels for acquiring and transferring pictures from multiple imaging devices, using a combination of picture acquiring, encoding, and wireless transferring modules, and a ground node for decoding and presenting the images, allowing for real-time, adjustable, and secure image transfer and presentation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single picture transferring channel is used in UAV imaging systems, then the system complexity and cost are reduced, but the ability to capture and transfer images from multiple angles is limited, causing operator interference and navigation difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single imaging channel into multiple independent imaging channels, each equipped with separate imaging devices (e.g., forward-facing camera, rearward-facing camera, side cameras). Each channel operates independently to capture images from different angles, eliminating operator interference while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension (single-channel) imaging system to a multi-dimensional imaging system by adding spatial diversity. Multiple imaging devices are positioned at different orientations (forward, rearward, lateral directions) to provide comprehensive multi-angle coverage, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple imaging devices are equipped on UAVs, then comprehensive multi-angle imaging is achieved, but the weight, cost, and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs imaging devices that serve multiple functions: they provide both navigation assistance (by showing operators the UAV's perspective and surrounding environment) and functional imaging (by capturing images for specific operational tasks). This multi-functionality justifies the added weight by delivering dual benefits from each imaging device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions imaging devices at specific locations on the UAV (forward, rearward, sides) where they capture images most useful for particular operational needs. Each imaging device is optimized for its specific location and function, ensuring that the weight of each device is justified by its localized contribution to overall system versatility.
3Ease of operation
If a single imaging device is used for dual-control mode, then both pilot and operator can control the UAV, but interference between operators occurs and navigation becomes difficult when operators are at a distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns dedicated imaging channels to different operators: the pilot receives images from navigation-focused cameras (forward-facing, side cameras) for safe flight control, while the operator receives images from functional imaging cameras for task execution. This segmentation of information sources eliminates interference and allows each operator to independently control their respective functions without compromising navigation safety.
Data Source
AI summary
An aerial imaging system for transferring pictures captured from two or more imaging devices includes an aerial node and a ground node. The aerial node has two or more channels, each for acquiring at least one picture from a corresponding imaging device. The aerial node is configured to transfer the acquired pictures. The ground node is configured to present the acquired pictures from the two or more imaging devices.