UAV Target Prism with Direction Indicators for Orientation Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing surveying technologies face challenges in accurately determining the horizontal angle due to metal structures, and orientation detection issues with gyroscopes and GPS, especially in environments like under bridges or indoors, affecting the precision of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) orientation for overlapping photography.

Innovation Solution

A target device with a polyhedron prism reflector and direction indicators on its sides or apexes, supported by a structure, allows for orientation detection using a surveying system that includes a camera and orientation detector, analyzing images to determine the orientation based on the indicators' positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnetic sensor is used to detect horizontal angle, then orientation detection is enabled, but detection accuracy decreases near metal structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorizontal angle detection accuracyVSAvoidinterference from metal structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces direction indicators as an intermediary element between the target device and the surveying instrument. These indicators provide visual reference marks that allow the surveying instrument to determine orientation without relying on magnetic sensors that are susceptible to metal interference. The direction indicators serve as a mediator that transfers orientation information in a way that is immune to magnetic field distortion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If gyroscope is used to detect orientation, then magnetic interference is avoided, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveorientation detection reliabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of orientation detection system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical gyroscope system with an optical/measurement-based system using direction indicators and a surveying instrument. Instead of using a complex mechanical or MEMS gyroscope to detect orientation changes, the system uses simple visual indicators that can be observed and measured by the surveying instrument, thereby eliminating the need for expensive and complex gyroscopic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If GPS is used for orientation detection, then broad applicability is achieved, but usability in satellite-invisible areas is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplicability of orientation detectionVSAvoidorientation detection reliability in enclosed areas

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the orientation detection function into two independent parts: (1) the target device with direction indicators that can be placed anywhere, and (2) the surveying instrument that measures the indicators. This segmentation allows the system to work in enclosed areas where GPS is unavailable, as the measurement-based approach does not depend on satellite signals. The system can be adapted to various environments by simply positioning the target device and taking measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If simple target device without direction indicators is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but orientation detection capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of target deviceVSAvoidorientation detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adding direction indicators only at specific locations on the target device (such as on the reflector or support structure) rather than making the entire device complex. The direction indicators are placed at strategic positions that provide sufficient information for orientation determination while maintaining the overall simplicity of the target device structure. This localized addition provides the necessary measurement capability without compromising device simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration provides a simple and accurate method for detecting the orientation of the target device, reducing environmental interference and improving the precision of photographic surveys by associating orientation data with image data.

Implementation Method 1

a reflector configured to reflect light incident on the reflector in a direction identical to a direction of incidence of the light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS12111156B2Target device and surveying system

Publication Date: 2024.10.08 TOPCON CORPORATION

AI summary

A target device 20 includes: a prism 22 configured to reflect light incident on the prism in a direction identical to a direction of incidence of the light; a support part 21 configured to support the prism 22; and a plurality of direction indicators 23 formed on the prism 22 to indicate a direction of the prism. A surveying system 1 includes the target device 20 attached to a camera 11 of a UAV 10, and a surveying device 3 surveying the prism 22 as a target and taking a target image Tp including the prism 22 to detect the orientation of the UAV 10 based on the direction indicators 23 appearing in the target image.