UAV Opposing Wide-Angle Optics for Parallax-Based Flight Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flight control systems relying on overlapping fields of view are limited by the arrangement of optical elements, which restricts the ability to determine parallax disparity effectively, especially in scenarios requiring wide-angle views and precise navigation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a UAV system with a first optical element having a field of view greater than 180 degrees and a second optical element with an opposing field of view, allowing for peripheral overlap, enables the determination of parallax disparity and subsequent flight control adjustments, including maintaining distances and speeds, by using image sensors and processors to process visual information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical elements are arranged side by side with standard fields of view, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of parallax disparity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the field of view beyond the standard 180-degree lateral arrangement by incorporating vertical angular coverage. The optical elements capture images from multiple vertical angles, creating a three-dimensional field of view expansion that enhances parallax disparity measurement capability without simply adding more lateral optical elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically processes images captured from different vertical angles and timestamps, adjusting the parallax disparity calculation based on the temporal and angular relationships between captured frames. This dynamic processing allows accurate depth measurement despite the complex multi-angle optical arrangement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical elements capture wide-angle views, then the adaptability of the UAV is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring parallax disparity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wide-angle field of view into multiple discrete image captures taken at different vertical angles. Each optical element captures a segmented portion of the overall scene, and the system processes these segmented images separately before integrating the information for parallax disparity calculation, making the measurement process more manageable despite the wide coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temporal intermediaries by capturing images at multiple timestamps and using intermediate frames to bridge the parallax calculation. The processor references intermediate image data from different time points to accurately determine parallax disparity across the wide angular field, reducing the difficulty of measurement.
3Measurement precision
If peripheral portions of opposing fields of view overlap, then the measurement precision of depth is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical elements serve multiple functions: they capture images for both wide-angle environmental awareness and precise depth measurement through their overlapping peripheral fields. The same optical elements and image sensors used for general navigation also provide the overlapping views necessary for accurate parallax-based depth determination, eliminating the need for separate specialized components.
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
This configuration enhances the UAV's ability to navigate and maintain precise distances and speeds by accurately determining parallax disparity, improving its operational efficiency and safety in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
The first optical element may be configured to guide light within a first field of view to the first image sensor. The first field of view may be greater than 180 degrees
Implementation Method 2
The second optical element may be configured to guide light within a second field of view to the second image sensor. The second field of view may be greater than 180 degrees
Implementation Method 3
The first image sensor may be configured to generate a first output signal conveying first visual information based on light that becomes incident thereon
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to providing flight control for an unmanned aerial vehicle based on opposing fields of view with overlap. The UAV may include a housing, a motor, a first image sensor, a second image sensor, a first optical element having a first field of view greater than 180 degrees, a second optical element having a second field of view greater than 180 degrees, and one or more processors. The first optical element and the second optical element may be carried by the housing such that a centerline of the second field of view is substantially opposite from a centerline of the first field of view, and a peripheral portion of the first field of view and a peripheral portion of the second field of view overlap. Flight control for the UAV may be provided based on parallax disparity of an object within the overlapping fields of view.