UAV Laser Measurement for 3D Water Surface Spatial Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual water level measurement methods are time-consuming, costly, and challenging in dangerous or featureless water surfaces, such as rivers and reservoirs, due to the lack of fixed points for accurate image matching and reference points.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with laser measurement devices that project lasers onto the water surface to create interest points for image matching and calculate water levels, enabling high-accuracy 3D spatial information generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods (direct measurement or staff gauge) are used to measure water level, then measurement can be performed, but much time and cost are required and it is difficult to measure in dangerous places
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated UAV-based laser measurement system. The UAV equipped with laser measurement devices automatically measures water levels by projecting lasers onto the water surface and calculating distances, eliminating the need for manual boat trips and staff gauge readings, thereby reducing time and cost while improving safety in dangerous locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual water control points created by laser projection as an intermediary between the UAV and the water surface. These virtual control points serve as reference markers that enable automatic image matching and water level calculation, bridging the gap between aerial imaging and precise water level measurement without requiring physical ground control points
2Measurement precision
If ground control points are installed on the ground surface to enhance accuracy, then absolute coordinate accuracy is enhanced, but in the case of water surface there is no fixed point and it is difficult to recognize interest points due to reflection of light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces virtual water control points created by laser projection as an intermediary between the UAV and the water surface. These virtual control points serve as reference markers that enable automatic image matching and water level calculation, bridging the gap between aerial imaging and precise water level measurement without requiring physical ground control points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the visual appearance changes on the water surface caused by laser projection. The laser creates bright reflection patterns and illuminated points on the water surface that are easily distinguishable from the surrounding water, making interest points automatically detectable without manual intervention despite the generally difficult conditions of water surface imaging
3Productivity
If multiple pictures are shot from the water surface to generate orthoimage, then topography can be photographed, but it is not easy to match images and accuracy is low due to lack of fixed reference points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by projecting lasers to create virtual control points on the water surface before image acquisition. These pre-established reference points are visible in the captured images and enable subsequent automatic feature matching between multiple pictures, solving the image matching problem that plagues water surface orthophoto generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtual water control points created by laser projection as an intermediary between the UAV and the water surface. These virtual control points serve as reference markers that enable automatic image matching and water level calculation, bridging the gap between aerial imaging and precise water level measurement without requiring physical ground control points
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
The UAV system efficiently measures water levels and generates accurate 3D water surface spatial information by using laser-projected points as reference, overcoming the limitations of manual methods and improving data collection efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a distance measurement unit including a plurality of laser measurement devices configured to project lasers toward the water surface
Implementation Method 2
a distance measurement unit including a plurality of laser measurement devices configured to project lasers toward the water surface
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for measuring a water level by using a UAV and virtual water control points and a method for generating 3D water surface spatial information, and a UAV used therefor. According to an embodiment, an UAV for a water surface survey includes: a position measurement unit configured to receive a GPS signal and to obtain position information of the UAV; a distance measurement unit including a plurality of laser measurement devices configured to project lasers toward the water surface; and a controller configured to calculate a moving distance of the UAV, based on measurement values of the position measurement unit and the distance measurement unit.