UAV Sensor Module with Emitter for Low-Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) face challenges in data capture and remote control in low-light conditions, as they rely on vision-based methods that become ineffective in such environments.
Innovation Solution
An aerial system equipped with a lift mechanism, processing system, camera, and sensor module that includes an emitter and receiver, allowing the system to adjust its flight and illumination parameters based on sensed data to enhance data capture and control in low-light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If vision-based remote control methods are used, then user control capability is improved, but system reliability deteriorates in low-light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an emitter (light source) as an intermediary to provide illumination in low-light conditions, enabling the vision-based control system to function reliably. The emitter mediates between the environmental limitation (low light) and the control system's requirement for visual information, allowing users to maintain control capability without compromising system reliability.
2Loss of information
If ambient environment data capture is performed, then data recordation capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates in low-light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary illumination by activating the emitter before data capture in low-light conditions. This preliminary action of providing light ensures that the ambient environment data can be captured with sufficient precision, preventing information loss while maintaining measurement quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The emitter acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between low-light environmental conditions and the data capture system's requirements. By introducing artificial illumination, the system maintains both data recordation capability and measurement precision simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If emitter illumination is increased, then data capture quality is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the emitter's illumination parameters (intensity, duration) based on real-time assessment of lighting conditions and data capture requirements. This dynamic control ensures that energy is consumed only when and to the extent necessary for maintaining data capture quality, optimizing the balance between measurement precision and energy usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the emitter's operational parameters (such as light intensity and pulse duration) adaptively based on environmental conditions. By modifying these parameters rather than maintaining constant high illumination, the system achieves adequate data capture quality while minimizing energy consumption.
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 system enables reliable data recordation and control in high-noise and low-light environments by automatically adjusting illumination, reducing user cognitive load and enhancing autopilot capabilities for automated flight and landing.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor module includes an emitter and a receiver. The receiver is configured to sense data related to an ambient environment associated with the aerial system.
Implementation Method 2
The receiver is configured to sense data related to an ambient environment associated with the aerial system.
Data Source
AI summary
An aerial system and method of operating an aerial system is provided. The aerial system includes a body, a lift mechanism, a processing system, a camera, and a sensor module. The lift mechanism is coupled to the body and configured to controllably provide lift and/or thrust. The processing system is configured to control the lift mechanism to provide flight to the aerial system. The camera is coupled to the body and is configured to obtain images of an environment proximate the aerial system. The sensor module is coupled to the body and includes an emitter and a receiver. The receiver is configured to sense data related to an ambient environment associated with the aerial system. The processing system controls a controllable parameter of the lift mechanism or the emitter as a function of the sensed data.