Action camera system for unmanned aerial vehicle
First Claim
1. A method of tracking at least one target selected from one or more potential target objects via an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising:
- selecting the at least one target;
capturing at least one first image via an onboard camera, the at least one first image defining a first orientation of the at least one target to the UAV and including at least one first image element corresponding to at least one of the target and a pattern uniquely associated with the at least one target;
defining, based on at least the at least one first image element, one or more first tracking parameters associated with the at least one first orientation;
capturing at least one second image via the onboard camera, the at least one second image defining a second orientation of the at least one target to the UAV and including at least one second image element;
defining, based on at least the at least one second image element, one or more second tracking parameters associated with the at least one second orientation;
receiving aboard the UAV at least one first element of position data determined by a sensor from a communications device associated with the at least one target; and
maintaining the first orientation of at least one target to the UAV by adjusting at least one of an angle of the onboard camera or a rotor speed of the UAV based on at least one of a second tracking parameter and the at least one first element of position data.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An action camera system for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) selects a target based on a reference image captured by an onboard camera. Image processing determines a desired orientation of the target to the UAV, by which the UAV can track the target and provide streaming video images from the desired orientation. Image processing establishes a visual lock on the target and controls the UAV to maintain the desired orientation while capturing streaming images. Additional position data provided by sensors aboard a smartphone carried by the target enhances the tracking ability of the action camera system and enables predictive analysis of the target'"'"'s future position. The action camera system may additionally provide preselected modes of operation that control UAV movement and image capture depending on the user'"'"'s desired objectives.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A method of tracking at least one target selected from one or more potential target objects via an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising:
-
selecting the at least one target; capturing at least one first image via an onboard camera, the at least one first image defining a first orientation of the at least one target to the UAV and including at least one first image element corresponding to at least one of the target and a pattern uniquely associated with the at least one target; defining, based on at least the at least one first image element, one or more first tracking parameters associated with the at least one first orientation; capturing at least one second image via the onboard camera, the at least one second image defining a second orientation of the at least one target to the UAV and including at least one second image element; defining, based on at least the at least one second image element, one or more second tracking parameters associated with the at least one second orientation; receiving aboard the UAV at least one first element of position data determined by a sensor from a communications device associated with the at least one target; and maintaining the first orientation of at least one target to the UAV by adjusting at least one of an angle of the onboard camera or a rotor speed of the UAV based on at least one of a second tracking parameter and the at least one first element of position data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. An action camera system for tracking at least one target with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), comprising:
-
at least one camera fixed to the UAV and configured to capture (a) at least one first image defining a first orientation of the at least one target to the UAV and (b) at least one second image defining a second orientation of the at least one target to the UAV; at least one imaging processor connected to the at least one camera and configured to; (a) identify within the at least one first image at least one first image element corresponding to the at least one target, the at least one first image element including a first bounding box associated with the first orientation and having a first pixel size and a first position relative to the at least one first image; (b) identify within the at least one first image at least one second image element corresponding to a pattern uniquely associated with the at least one target, the at least one second image element including a second bounding box associated with the first orientation and having a second pixel size and a second position relative to the at least one first image; (c) determine one or more first tracking parameters associated with the first orientation, based on at least the first image element and the second image element; (d) receive at least one element of position data determined by a sensor via a wireless link connected to a communications device associated with the at least one target; (e) identify within the at least one second image at least one third image element corresponding to the at least one target, the at least one third image element including a third bounding box associated with the second orientation and having a third pixel size and a third position relative to the at least one second image; (f) identify within the at least one second image at least one fourth image element corresponding to the pattern uniquely associated with the at least one target, the at least one fourth image element including a fourth bounding box associated with the second orientation and having a fourth pixel size and a fourth position relative to the at least one second image; (g) determine at least one or more second tracking parameters associated with the second orientation based on at least one of the at least one third image element, the at least one fourth image element, the at least one element of position data, and at least one previously determined second tracking parameter; and (h) maintain the first orientation of the at least one target to the UAV by at least one of adjusting an angle of the onboard camera and directing the attitude control system to adjust a rotor speed of the UAV based on at least one of the one or more second tracking parameters and the at least one first element of position data; at least one attitude control system fixed to the UAV and connected to the at least one imaging processor, the at least one attitude control system configured to adjust at least one rotor speed of the UAV; and at least one attitude sensor connected to the attitude control system and configured to determine at least one of an angle of rotation of the UAV, an orientation of the UAV, a position of the UAV, a velocity of the UAV, and an acceleration of the UAV. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
-
20. An apparatus for focusing an image of a target on a sensor, comprising:
-
(a) a frame for attaching said apparatus to at least one of a stationary or movable platform; (b) a sensor for detecting electromagnetic radiation in at least two-dimensions; (c) an optical string for focusing an electromagnetic image on said sensor; (d) storage for storing said focused electromagnetic images from said sensor; (e) a computer for tracking an object moving in relation to said frame; (f) a first detector for receiving target location information from at least two of sonar, reflected light, and radio frequency; (g) a second detector for receiving location information from a target sensor array having a wireless transponder, said target sensor array including at least one of a GNSS system, a cellular link, a magnetometer, and an accelerometer; (h) a user interface for selectively programming said computer with information including at least target location and target activity; (i) a target movement predictor for assisting in tracking said target based at least in part on target activity; and (j) output means for controlling said frame in relation to said at least one of a stationary platform and in directing the movement of a movable platform.
-
Specification