UAV SfM Imaging with Real-Time Flight Path Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating accurate three-dimensional scans using camera-equipped UAVs are time-consuming and costly due to the need for pre-defined flight plans and subsequent flights to cover insufficient areas, as they do not allow for real-time adjustment of imaging based on image data analysis.
Innovation Solution
A system that processes images from a UAV's camera gimbal assembly to detect regions requiring additional imaging, dynamically updates the flight plan and gimbal position to maintain focus on desired regions of interest, using real-time positional and orientation information from the UAV's flight controller and inertial measurement unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pre-defined flight plans are used for UAV imaging, then accurate 3D scans can be generated, but the time and cost become prohibitive due to multiple required flights
Solution Approach 1:
The system processes images in real-time during the flight to identify regions requiring additional imaging, then dynamically adjusts the flight plan and gimbal position to capture those regions, eliminating the need for multiple flights and reducing total scanning time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The flight plan and gimbal position plan are dynamically updated during the flight based on real-time image analysis, allowing the system to adapt to actual imaging needs rather than following a static pre-defined plan, thus reducing the number of flights required
2Measurement precision
If pre-defined flight plans are used for UAV imaging, then accurate 3D scans can be generated, but the cost becomes prohibitive due to multiple required flights
Solution Approach 1:
Real-time image processing provides feedback on imaging quality and identifies gaps, allowing the system to complete the scan in fewer flights by dynamically adjusting the flight plan, thereby reducing operational costs while maintaining scan accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically identifies regions requiring additional imaging and self-corrects by updating the flight and gimbal plans without requiring external intervention or multiple planned flights, reducing overall scanning cost
3Productivity
If real-time image data analysis is performed to identify regions requiring additional imaging, then the time and cost of generating scans is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flight controller is given multiple functions: it controls UAV flight, processes images in real-time, identifies regions requiring additional imaging, and dynamically updates flight and gimbal plans. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, managing complexity while enabling real-time analysis and improving productivity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of imaging an area using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) collects a plurality of images from a sensor mounted to the UAV. The plurality of images are processed to detect regions that require additional imaging and an updated flight plan and sensor gimbal position plan is created to capture portions of the area identified as requiring additional imaging.