UAV Airframe Orientation Detection Using Port Sign Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

In unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), determining the airframe orientation based on magnetic sensor readings can be inaccurate when geomagnetism is disturbed, leading to inappropriate detection of the UAV's orientation.

Innovation Solution

An information processing device and method that utilize a camera on the UAV to capture images of signs attached to the port, allowing for the detection of the UAV's airframe orientation based on the position and indication of these signs, independent of magnetic sensor readings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If magnetic sensor is used to detect airframe orientation, then the detection method is simple, but the detection accuracy deteriorates when geomagnetism is disturbed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection method simplicityVSAvoidairframe orientation detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the magnetic sensor-based detection system with a camera-based visual detection system. Instead of relying on magnetic fields to determine airframe orientation, the system uses image capture and processing to detect the orientation of the UAV by analyzing the position and indication of signs in the captured images, thereby eliminating the accuracy degradation caused by geomagnetic disturbance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces signs as intermediary objects placed in the detection area. These signs serve as visual references that the camera captures, allowing the system to indirectly determine airframe orientation through image analysis rather than direct magnetic field measurement, thus resolving the accuracy issue while maintaining system simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If magnetic sensor detection is used, then the pre-flight inspection process is fast, but the reliability deteriorates in disturbed geomagnetic environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepre-flight inspection speedVSAvoidairframe orientation detection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the magnetic sensor detection mechanism with an optical detection mechanism using a camera. This replacement maintains the speed of the pre-flight inspection process while significantly improving reliability in environments with disturbed geomagnetism, as the camera-based system is not affected by magnetic field anomalies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the detection parameter from magnetic field strength/direction to visual image data. By transforming the detection basis from magnetic parameters to optical parameters (image pixels, sign positions), the system achieves both maintained productivity and improved reliability, as image processing can be performed rapidly without being influenced by geomagnetic conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20250076901A1Information processing device, unmanned aerial vehicle, and method for detecting airframe orientation

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 RAKUTEN GROUP INC

AI summary

The management server 3 acquires the image information indicating the image that includes at least a part of the sign attached in advance in the port P where the UAV 1 is placed and is captured by the camera of the UAV 1, and detects the airframe orientation of the UAV 1 on the basis of at least one of the position of the sign and the indication of the sign in the image indicated by the image information.