UAV Target Tracking Control for Single-Operator Aerial Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV tracking methods require manual control, which becomes difficult when targets are moving quickly or partially obscured, and necessitate a dedicated operator for navigation and camera control, increasing costs and operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that allows automatic or semi-automatic tracking of targets by receiving target information from a control terminal, enabling the UAV to adjust its flight path and imaging device to maintain the target within the camera's field of view, using processors to calculate necessary adjustments based on target information and navigation commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual tracking control is used by a dedicated operator, then the target can be tracked with human judgment and adaptability, but the operational cost increases and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV system performs tracking automatically using onboard sensors and processors to detect and follow targets without requiring a dedicated human operator. The system serves itself by autonomously analyzing sensor data and adjusting flight controls to maintain target acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human operator system with an automated electronic control system that uses sensors, processors, and algorithms to perform tracking functions, thereby reducing operational complexity and cost while maintaining or improving tracking reliability.
2Ease of operation
If manual tracking control is used, then the operator can adjust to changing conditions, but the attention required increases operational difficulty especially when targets move quickly or are obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV system performs tracking automatically using onboard sensors and processors to detect and follow targets without requiring a dedicated human operator. The system serves itself by autonomously analyzing sensor data and adjusting flight controls to maintain target acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated tracking system operates continuously without interruption, constantly monitoring sensor data and adjusting tracking parameters in real-time, ensuring uninterrupted target acquisition even when targets move quickly or become temporarily obscured.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated operator controls both navigation and camera, then tracking flexibility is maintained, but the cost for aerial photography increases
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV system integrates multiple functions into a single automated platform that handles both navigation and tracking simultaneously. The same onboard computer and sensor system that controls flight navigation also performs target detection and tracking, eliminating the need for separate dedicated operators for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the navigation control system and tracking control system into a single integrated automated system. Both functions share common sensors, processors, and control mechanisms, allowing the UAV to perform navigation and target tracking concurrently with reduced operational requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides systems, methods, and devices related to target tracking by UAVs. The UAV may be configured to receive target information from a control terminal related to a target to be tracked by an imaging device coupled to the UAV. The target information may be used by the UAV to automatically track the target so as to maintain predetermined position and/or size of the target within one or more images captured by the imaging device. The control terminal may be configured to display images from the imaging device as well as allowing user input related to the target information.