UAV Single-Camera Imaging With Tilted Views for Wide-Area Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerial imaging systems face challenges in capturing high-resolution images of large areas efficiently, as wide-angled cameras increase payload weight and result in grainy images, while multiple-camera systems add weight to UAVs, prolonging flight time and reducing coverage.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a single camera mounted on a UAV that tilts its optical axis perpendicular to the flight path, capturing images from both sides to optimize overlap and increase field of view, reducing flight time and improving image quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If wide-angled field of view cameras are used with UAVs for fast area mapping, then the field of view is increased, but the image quality deteriorates resulting in grainy and blurred images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging task into multiple segments by using multiple cameras, each capturing a specific portion of the target area. Instead of relying on a single wide-angled camera that compromises image quality, the system segments the large area into smaller regions, each captured by a standard-resolution camera, and then stitches these segments together to form a complete high-quality image of the entire area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the dimension of spatial arrangement by configuring multiple cameras in specific geometric patterns (such as linear arrays or triangular configurations). This spatial arrangement allows each camera to capture images from optimized angles and positions, maintaining high image quality while collectively covering a wide area through the multi-dimensional coverage provided by the camera array
2Area of moving object
If an aerial camera system with more than one camera is used to provide a large field of view, then the field of view is increased, but the payload weight of the UAV increases reducing flight time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters of the imaging system by using multiple cameras with standard fields of view instead of a single camera with an extended wide angle. By adjusting the number, arrangement, and orientation parameters of multiple cameras, the system achieves a combined large field of view coverage while keeping individual camera specifications (and thus weight) at standard levels, balancing area coverage with payload weight constraints
3Area of stationary object
If multiple cameras are used to capture images of large areas, then the coverage area is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each camera in the array multi-functional by configuring them to serve multiple purposes: each camera contributes to both the overall area coverage and to specific detailed region capture. The cameras are arranged and oriented so that they can collectively cover large areas while also providing redundant coverage of critical regions, thereby achieving comprehensive coverage without proportionally increasing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A method for capturing videos and/or images of a target area using a single camera configured with an aerial vehicle (AV) is disclosed including the steps of moving the AV over the area of interest along a straight path; capturing a first set of images of an area down below by pointing an optical axis of the camera towards a first side of the straight path such that the optical axis makes a first set of predefined angles with vertical; and capturing a second set of images of the area down below by pointing the optical axis of the camera towards a second side of the straight path such that the optical axis makes a second set of predefined angles with respect to the vertical. Side overlap between the first and second set of images is optimized to account for error in camera movement.