UAV Terrain Imaging with Autonomous Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current UAV imaging methods require high bandwidth communication for manual control and data transmission, and existing systems lack efficient automated procedures for imaging large areas with reduced uncertainty in geolocation.
Innovation Solution
An automated imaging method for UAVs that involves determining and executing multiple procedures to capture images of terrain areas from different angles, minimizing overlap and optimizing route planning to ensure comprehensive coverage with reduced geolocation uncertainty.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual control and data transmission are used for UAV imaging, then the operator can directly control the UAV and sensors, but high bandwidth communication is required
Solution Approach 1:
The UAV performs imaging operations autonomously without continuous human intervention. The onboard processors automatically plan procedures, control sensor positioning, and manage data collection, allowing the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for high-bandwidth communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The control and processing functions are extracted from the remote operator and relocated to the UAV's onboard processors. This extraction eliminates the need for continuous communication between the operator and the UAV, reducing bandwidth requirements while maintaining operational capability.
2Device complexity
If single-route imaging is used to cover large terrain areas, then the imaging procedure is simple, but geolocation uncertainty remains high
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging task is segmented into multiple procedures, each covering different portions of the terrain from different directions. The terrain area is divided into regions that are imaged sequentially along different routes, with each route providing complementary viewing angles that reduce geolocation uncertainty when combined.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging approach transitions from a single-dimensional linear route to multi-dimensional coverage by implementing procedures that image the same terrain areas from different directional dimensions. This multi-angular imaging approach provides redundant geometric information that reduces geolocation uncertainty.
3Quantity of substance
If automated imaging procedures are implemented, then communication bandwidth is reduced, but procedure planning complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Imaging procedures are planned in advance before the UAV mission begins. The onboard processors pre-calculate optimal routes and sensor positioning strategies based on the target terrain area, eliminating the need for complex real-time decision-making and reducing communication requirements during execution.
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is an imaging method for imaging terrain (40) using a sensor (20) on an unmanned aircraft (2). The method comprises: acquiring a range of motion of the sensor (20); acquiring positional information of the terrain (40); acquiring parameter values relating to aircraft manoeuvrability; using the acquired information, determining a procedure; performing, by the aircraft (2), the procedure and simultaneously capturing, by the sensor (20), a set of images of only parts of the terrain (40). The procedure comprises the aircraft (2) moving with respect to the area of terrain (40) and the sensor moving with respect to the aircraft (2) such that each point in the area of terrain (40) is coincident with a footprint (44) of the sensor (20) on the ground (8) for at least some time. Also, every point in the area of terrain (40) is present within at least one of the captured images.