3D UAV Flight Path Planning With VR Obstacle Visualization

The patent transitions from traditional 2D map-based flight path planning to 3D virtual reality environment-based planning. By adding the third dimension (height/altitude) to the flight path visualization and control interface, the system enables operators to account for building heights, obstacles, and vertical navigation requirements, significantly improving flight path accuracy while providing an intuitive immersive experience.

The patent creates a virtual copy of the real-world environment in a 3D virtual reality space. This virtual replica allows operators to practice and become familiar with flight path planning in a risk-free, immersive environment before operating the actual UAV. The virtual environment maintains spatial relationships and obstacles of the real world, enabling realistic training that reduces the learning curve for complex 3D navigation tasks.

The patent introduces a virtual reality environment as an intermediary between the operator and the actual UAV control system. This virtual interface serves as a mediator that provides immersive 3D visualization and precise control capabilities without requiring direct complexity in the physical UAV system. The virtual environment handles complex calculations for 3D path planning, obstacle avoidance, and precise positioning, while the actual UAV receives simplified control commands.