UAV Spline Flight Control With Real-Time Path Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems lack the ability to make in-flight modifications to programmed flight paths, limiting pilot creativity and adaptability, especially in dynamic environments such as cinematography where unexpected events may require immediate adjustments.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flight control subsystem that records keyframes during flight, computes a spline based on these keyframes, and allows for real-time user input to modify the flight path, including changes in position, direction, speed, and camera orientation, enabling the UAV to adapt dynamically while maintaining a predetermined flight plan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the UAV operates under a programmed set of flight instructions, then the flight path is stable and reproducible, but the pilot cannot make minor adjustments to the flight path or sensor operation on the fly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between automated spline-based flight and manual pilot control. The flight control subsystem computes splines from recorded keyframes to enable automated smooth flight, while simultaneously allowing pilot inputs to modify the spline in real-time. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by making the automation level adjustable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system records actual flight data during manual operation, processes it into keyframes, and generates splines that can be replayed with modifications. This feedback loop allows the pilot to review automated flight results and make iterative improvements, combining the stability of programming with the adaptability of manual control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pilot terminates automated flight operation to make adjustments, then the flight path can be modified, but important data may be lost during the time it takes to reprogram and rerun the flight
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by recording keyframes during the flight itself, rather than requiring pre-flight programming. The flight control subsystem captures essential flight data points during operation, then computes the spline in real-time, allowing immediate modifications without terminating the flight or losing captured data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by allowing the UAV to remain in flight while the pilot makes modifications. Rather than terminating automated operation to reprogram, the pilot can adjust the spline parameters during flight, and the UAV continues capturing data without interruption, eliminating time loss.
3Manufacturing precision
If teams of world-class drone pilots are employed to create dynamic aerial shots, then high-quality cinematic footage can be captured, but the cost is extremely high and the shots are time-consuming to capture
Solution Approach 1:
The system copies the essential elements of expert piloting into a computational algorithm. By recording keyframes during a reference flight and computing splines from these keyframes, the system captures the motion patterns of skilled pilots and reproduces them automatically, eliminating the need to employ expensive world-class pilots while maintaining shot quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically computing smooth flight paths from recorded keyframes without requiring continuous expert intervention. The flight control subsystem autonomously processes the keyframe data into splines and executes the flight, replacing the need for highly skilled pilots while reducing both cost and time requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Technology for operating an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is disclosed herein that allows a drone to be flown along a computed spline, while also accommodating in-flight modifications. In various implementations, a UAV includes a flight control subsystem and an electromechanical subsystem. The flight control subsystem records keyframes during flight and computes a spline based on the keyframes. The flight control subsystem then saves the computed spline for playback, at which time the UAV automatically flies in accordance with the computed spline.