UAV Sensor Calibration via Pre-flight Image Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
The calibration of sensors on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is a time-consuming process that can delay their departure, and existing methods do not efficiently verify or adjust sensor calibration in real-time, leading to potential operational errors.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an autonomous sensor calibration system that uses cameras and sensors to verify the accuracy of sensor data by comparing processed information from images of known objects with actual information, allowing for software corrections and full calibration as needed, and utilizing pre-flight calibration stations and channels to assess structural and mechanical integrity before flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sensor calibration methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to the time-consuming nature of the process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration actions by capturing images of calibration patterns before flight operations. The calibration data is processed and stored in advance, allowing the UAV to depart without undergoing time-consuming calibration procedures during operational readiness checks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital copies of calibration patterns captured through camera images instead of physical calibration artifacts. The processed image data serves as a digital representation that contains all necessary calibration information, replacing traditional physical calibration methods.
2Reliability
If comprehensive sensor calibration verification is performed, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional cameras and sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration camera serves multiple functions: it captures calibration patterns for sensor calibration, verifies structural integrity through imaging, and confirms mechanical assembly correctness. This single device performs what would traditionally require multiple specialized instruments, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The UAV performs self-calibration verification by using its own camera and sensor systems to check its calibration status. The system autonomously captures images, processes calibration data, and determines whether calibration tolerances are met without requiring external calibration equipment or manual intervention.
3Measurement precision
If strict calibration tolerance requirements are enforced, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to flight aborts
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial calibration verification by checking only the most critical calibration parameters against tolerance thresholds. Rather than requiring perfect calibration across all sensors, the system identifies and verifies key calibration elements, allowing flights to proceed when essential calibration requirements are met even if minor tolerances are exceeded.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts calibration tolerance thresholds based on flight conditions, sensor types, and mission requirements. By changing the acceptable parameter ranges for different operational contexts, the system maintains measurement precision where critical while allowing greater flexibility in non-critical areas, preventing unnecessary flight aborts.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for automating the verification of aerial vehicle sensors as part of a pre-flight, flight departure, in-transit flight, and/or delivery destination calibration verification process. At different stages, aerial vehicle sensors may obtain sensor measurements about objects within an environment, the obtained measurements may be processed to determine information about the object, as presented in the measurements, and the processed information may be compared with the actual information about the object to determine a variation or difference between the information. If the variation is within a tolerance range, the sensor may be auto adjusted and operation of the aerial vehicle may continue. If the variation exceeds a correction range, flight of the aerial vehicle may be aborted and the aerial vehicle routed for a full sensor calibration.