Determining stereo distance information using imaging devices integrated into propeller blades
US10033980B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jul 24, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64U2201/00
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A propeller provided on an aerial vehicle may include a digital camera or other imaging device embedded into a surface of one of the blades of the propeller. The digital camera may capture images while the propeller is rotating at an operational speed. Images captured by the digital camera may be processed to recognize one or more objects therein, and to determine ranges to such objects by stereo triangulation techniques. Using such ranges, a depth map or other model of the surface features in an environment in which the aerial vehicle is operating may be defined and stored or used for any purpose. A propeller may include digital cameras or other imaging devices embedded into two or more blades, and may also use such images to determine ranges to objects by stereo triangulation techniques.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.