UAV Flight Path Control With Independent Camera Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV operation systems compromise observational capabilities and flexibility due to reliance on visual control and time-consuming waypoint setting, especially in dynamic and stressful environments.
Innovation Solution
A path-based flight maneuvering system that allows an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to operate in either a 'locked path flight mode' or 'camera tracking flight mode', where the aircraft can maintain a fixed path or dynamically adjust its flight path based on camera direction, enabling independent camera tilt and pan without affecting aircraft maneuvering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the pilot uses mechanical/electronic pan and tilt functions to move the image to focus on points of interest, then the observational capability is improved, but the visual control of the aircraft's heading is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates camera control from aircraft maneuvering control. The pilot can independently control the camera's pan and tilt functions to focus on points of interest while the aircraft maintains its flight path, dividing the control tasks into independent segments that can be managed separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism where the aircraft's flight path is determined by GPS coordinates and waypoints, while camera orientation is controlled through separate pan and tilt commands. This intermediary control layer allows the camera to independently track points of interest without affecting the aircraft's navigation.
2Reliability
If the pilot sets waypoints or defines flight paths to maintain visual control, then the safety and navigation are improved, but the local observational capabilities and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the relationship between flight path and camera orientation. While the aircraft follows a predefined path for safety, the camera can dynamically pan and tilt to track moving points of interest, creating a dynamic observation capability that adapts to changing situations without compromising the stable flight path.
Solution Approach 2:
The flight path and waypoints are preliminarily defined to ensure safe navigation through challenging terrain. Once the aircraft is on the predefined path, the pilot can then perform local observational actions through camera pan and tilt without needing to deviate from the safe flight path, allowing preliminary safety planning followed by flexible observation.
3Extent of automation
If the pilot relies on received images to navigate the aircraft, then the remote operation capability is improved, but the visual control and situational awareness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the visual information into two distinct channels: navigation information from forward-facing cameras that maintain situational awareness of the flight path, and observational information from gimballed cameras that can pan and tilt to focus on specific points of interest. This segmentation allows the pilot to maintain both remote operation capability and visual control simultaneously.
Data Source
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AI summary
The presented embodiments relates to a path-based flight maneuvering system and a method for providing easier operation control and enhanced operation capability of unmanned aerial vehicles and their associated features. The embodiments further entails a method for maneuvering an aircraft by means of a positioning device, a camera and a display displaying an image captured by the camera including a cursor projected on the image in the display.