UAV Source Location Determination via Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Delivering items to individuals in crowded or remote areas, such as stadiums or beaches, is challenging due to limited wireless network connectivity and the difficulty in pinpointing exact locations within these environments.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is used to determine the source location of a client device by processing images from the device, utilizing unique identifiers and environmental features, and navigating to deliver items or provide services within uncontrolled environments, while also leveraging facility information in controlled environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional wireless network connectivity methods are used to deliver items in crowded or remote areas, then network coverage can be extended, but infrastructure complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an aerial vehicle as an intermediary delivery platform that operates independently of ground-based wireless network infrastructure. The aerial vehicle receives item requests via wireless communication, locates clients using image processing and environmental features, and delivers items directly, thereby mediating between the client device and the delivery destination without requiring complex ground infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical delivery systems (ground vehicles, physical distribution networks) with an aerial platform that uses flight mechanics. The aerial vehicle navigates to client locations using GPS coordinates derived from image processing, substituting ground-based mechanical delivery infrastructure with airborne mechanical systems
2Measurement precision
If GPS and image processing are used to determine client location, then location precision is improved, but computational requirements and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by capturing images and identifying environmental features before the actual delivery process. The aerial vehicle captures images of the environment, processes these images to identify distinctive features, and determines client location in advance, allowing for optimized delivery routing and reduced processing time during the actual delivery execution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy or representation of the physical environment through image capture and processing. By analyzing images of environmental features and creating a digital representation of the location, the system can determine client positions without requiring direct real-time measurement, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If aerial vehicles are deployed for item delivery, then delivery flexibility and accessibility are improved, but operational cost and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial vehicle is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform various delivery tasks across different environments (crowded areas, remote locations, difficult-to-access sites). This universal design allows a single system to replace multiple specialized delivery systems, improving flexibility while potentially optimizing energy consumption through consolidated operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic routing and navigation capabilities that allow the aerial vehicle to adapt its flight path in real-time based on environmental conditions, client location, and energy considerations. The system dynamically adjusts delivery parameters to optimize between flexibility and energy consumption, selecting the most efficient delivery routes and methods
Data Source
AI summary
Described is system and method for determining a location of a client device. In one implementation, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) receives an image of the UAV, obtained by the client device. The image is processed to determine a source area of the client device. As the UAV navigates toward the area, it scans the area for the client device and/or obtains additional information from the client device to aid in determining the location of the client device.