UAV Spline Flight Control with In-Flight Keyframe Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 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 like cinematography where unexpected events 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 to position, direction, speed, and camera orientation, enabling in-flight adjustments and saving of modified splines for later use.
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 transitions from a static programmed flight path to a dynamic one by allowing the pilot to add, remove, and modify keyframes during flight. The flight control subsystem continuously updates the spline based on real-time pilot input, enabling the flight path to adapt dynamically while maintaining automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the current keyframe and allowing the pilot to provide real-time input to modify the flight path. The flight control subsystem processes this feedback and updates the spline accordingly, creating a closed-loop system that responds to pilot input during automated flight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pilot terminates automated flight operation to make adjustments, then the pilot can modify the flight path, but the opportunity to capture potentially important data is lost due to reprogramming time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-computing the spline from a set of keyframes before automated flight begins. This allows the flight path to be prepared in advance while still enabling real-time modifications during flight, eliminating the need to terminate and reprogram the entire flight plan.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes the flight path dynamic by allowing modifications during automated operation. Instead of requiring termination for changes, the pilot can add, remove, or modify keyframes on the fly, and the system continuously updates the spline to reflect these changes without interrupting the flight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows real-time modification of the computed spline, then the pilot has greater creative control, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flight control subsystem serves itself by automatically recomputing the spline when keyframes are modified during flight. Instead of requiring complex manual intervention or system reconfiguration, the system self-updates the flight path based on pilot input, reducing the operational complexity despite increased functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves multi-functionality by combining automated spline computation, real-time keyframe modification, and continuous path updating within a single flight control subsystem. This universal approach handles both pre-flight planning and in-flight adjustments using the same core functionality, reducing overall system complexity.
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.