Vehicle-UAV Terrain Imaging for Suspension and Off-Road Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ground-based imaging systems in vehicles are inadequate for certain situations, such as off-road driving, as they may have limited field of view, be obstructed by terrain, or fail to detect obstacles like bushes, trees, and rocks, leading to potential damage and safety issues.
Innovation Solution
A collaborative system between a vehicle and an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) where the UAV captures images of the terrain ahead and transmits them to the vehicle's computer, which combines these images with the vehicle's own imaging data to modify the suspension system and generate augmented reality images to assist the driver in navigating obstacles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a front-facing camera is used to observe vehicles and terrain ahead, then the driver can see objects in front of the vehicle, but the field of view is limited and cannot be modified, causing inability to detect distant or nearby obstacles simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an aerial dimension by deploying a drone that flies above the vehicle, providing a top-down and distant view that complements the ground-level front-facing camera. This multi-dimensional imaging approach allows simultaneous observation of both nearby and distant obstacles without modifying the existing camera system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the observation task into two segments: the ground-based camera handles near-field obstacles and the aerial drone handles far-field obstacles. This segmentation allows each system to optimize its field of view for its specific range, resolving the contradiction between limited and adjustable field of view.
2Loss of information
If a front-facing camera is mounted on the vehicle, then it can provide real-time imaging, but the view may be blocked by large vehicles or terrain features
Solution Approach 1:
By positioning the imaging system in the aerial dimension, the drone observes terrain and obstacles from above, avoiding blockages by large vehicles, bushes, and terrain features that obstruct ground-based cameras. This elevated perspective provides unobstructed views of the path ahead.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone acts as an intermediary observation platform that bridges the gap between the vehicle and distant obstacles. It captures images from positions that are not blocked by terrain features and relays this information to the driver, overcoming the line-of-sight limitations of ground-based systems.
3Reliability
If the vehicle uses ground-based imaging systems for off-road navigation, then it can detect nearby obstacles, but it may fail to detect distant obstacles like bushes, trees, and rocks, leading to potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The aerial drone provides a bird's-eye view that extends the detection range to distant obstacles such as bushes, trees, and rocks that are invisible to ground-based cameras. This multi-level observation system ensures comprehensive detection of obstacles at all distances, improving navigation reliability off-road.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone flies ahead of the vehicle to detect and report distant obstacles before the vehicle reaches them. This preliminary detection allows the driver to prepare for upcoming hazards, preventing damage by enabling advance route planning and speed adjustment.
4Loss of information
If the driver relies on own vision for observing vehicles ahead, then no additional equipment is needed, but the driver cannot see distant collisions or obstacles beyond line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The drone serves as an extended visual intermediary, carrying the driver's line of sight to distances and elevations beyond natural human vision capabilities. It captures images of distant collisions and obstacles that the driver cannot see and transmits them to the vehicle's display system.
Solution Approach 2:
The drone creates visual copies of distant scenes by capturing images and transmitting them to the vehicle's display. This allows the driver to view distant obstacles and collisions as if they were within direct line of sight, extending visual range without requiring the driver to physically move or climb to elevated positions.
Data Source
AI summary
Exemplary embodiments described in this disclosure are generally directed to a collaborative relationship between a vehicle and a UAV. In one exemplary implementation, a computer that is provided in the vehicle uses images captured by an imaging system in the UAV together with images captured by an imaging system in the vehicle, to modify a suspension system of the vehicle based on a nature of the terrain located below, or ahead, of the vehicle. The computer may, for example, modify a suspension system before the vehicle reaches a rock or a pothole on the ground ahead. In another exemplary implementation, the computer may generate an augmented reality image that includes a 3D model of the vehicle rendered on an image of a terrain located below, or ahead of, the vehicle. The augmented reality image may be used by a driver of the vehicle to drive the vehicle over such terrain.