Abstract: An image rectification method includes determining one or more reference points in a raw image captured using a lens for a plurality of target pixels in a target image, obtaining a subsection of the raw image based on the one or more reference points, and calculating a target pixel value for each of the plurality of target pixels based on one or more pixel values of one or more pixels in the subsection of the raw image.

Abstract: An image processing method includes correcting a target image based on an initial distortion coefficient to obtain a first corrected target image, performing straight-line fitting on a first border line in the first corrected target image to calculate a first distortion metric value and a correction distortion coefficient, correcting the target image based on the correction distortion coefficient to obtain a second corrected target image, performing straight-line fitting on a second border line in the second corrected target image to calculate a second distortion metric value, detecting whether a preset correction condition is satisfied based on at least one of the first distortion metric value or the second distortion metric value, and configuring the correction distortion coefficient as the initial distortion coefficient if the preset correction condition is not satisfied.

Abstract: A method for operating a movable object includes acquiring a plurality of image frames captured within a predefined time window by an imaging device borne by the movable object moving along a navigation path, identifying one or more objects adjacent the movable object by measuring pixel movements within the plurality of image frames, estimating movements of the one or more objects relative to the movable object using dimensional variations of the one or more objects within the plurality of image frames, and adjusting the navigation path of the movable object in accordance with the estimated movements of the one or more objects.

Abstract: A method for processing image data captured by an imaging device borne on a movable object includes receiving a plurality of trigger events each corresponding to an operational condition variation detected by a first sensing device borne on the movable object, identifying, among a sequence of image frames captured by the imaging device, a plurality of image frames of interest each determined by one of the plurality of trigger events, and adaptively selecting, from the sequence of image frames, a set of image frames in accordance with a comparison of a plurality of temporally adjacent image frames of the plurality of image frames of interest.

Abstract: A method for supporting visual tracking includes receiving a plurality of image frames captured at different times using an imaging device. Each of the plurality of image frames includes a plurality of pixels associated with a plurality of feature points. The method further includes analyzing the plurality of image frames to compute movement characteristics of the plurality of feature points and identifying a tracking feature relative to a background feature based on the movement characteristics of the plurality of feature points.

Abstract: An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) includes a vehicle body, one or more propulsion units coupled to the vehicle body, and one or more processors operably coupled to the one or more propulsion units. The one or more processors are configured to receive one or more original altitude restrictions for the UAV, receive elevation information for an area the UAV is operating in or will operate in, determine one or more modified altitude restrictions based on the one or more original altitude restrictions and the elevation information, compare the one or more modified altitude restrictions with a legal altitude restriction to determine whether the one or more modified altitude restrictions are legally compliant, and if so, control the one or more propulsion units to cause the UAV to comply with the one or more modified altitude restrictions while operating in the area.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an imaging device includes calculating attitude information of the imaging device relative to a screen based at least in part on an image captured by the imaging device, generating a calibration signal based at least in part on the attitude information, displaying the calibration signal on the screen, and displaying a guiding signal on the screen.

Abstract: Methods and associated systems and apparatus for controlling a moveable device are disclosed herein. The moveable device includes an image-collection component and a distance-measurement component. A representative method includes generating an image corresponding to the operator and generating a first set of distance information corresponding to the operator. The method identifies a portion of the image in the generated image and then retrieves a second set of distance information from the first set of distance information based on the identified image portion corresponding to the operator. The method then identifies a gesture associated with the operator based on the second set of distance information. The method then further generates an instruction for controlling the moveable device based on the gesture.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for providing flight response to flight-restricted altitudes. The altitude of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) may be compared with an altitude restriction. If needed a flight-response measure may be taken by the UAV to prevent the UAV from flying in a restricted altitude. The altitude measurement of the UAV and/or altitude restriction of the UAV may be modified for improved performance. Different flight-response measures may be taken depending on preference and the rules of a jurisdiction within which the UAV falls.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided herein for detecting and tracking one or more movable objects. A method for supporting visual tracking may be provided. The method may comprise: receiving a plurality of image frames captured at different times using an imaging device, wherein each image frame comprises a plurality of pixels that are associated with a plurality of feature points; analyzing the plurality of image frames to compute movement characteristics of the plurality of feature points; and identifying at least one tracking feature relative to at least one background feature based on the movement characteristics of the plurality of feature points.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an imaging device includes calculating attitude information of the imaging device relative to a screen based at least in part on an image captured by the imaging device. The image includes information of at least a portion of a checkerboard displayed on the screen. The method further includes generating a calibration signal based at least in part on the attitude information, displaying the calibration signal on the checkerboard on the screen, and displaying a guiding signal on the screen. The guiding signal is configured to guide a user to move the imaging device or the screen.

Abstract: A method for controlling a movable object comprise receiving an input indicative of a selected mode, wherein the selected mode is selected from a plurality of modes, and effecting movement of the movable object based on the selected mode. The plurality of modes may comprise at least a target mode and a directional mode. The movable object may be configured to move towards or follow a selected target when the selected mode is the target mode. The movable object may be configured to move in a selected direction when the selected mode is the directional mode. An apparatus, a medium and an UAV system are also provided.

Abstract: A method for determining a target direction for a movable object includes providing an image on a computer-implemented display, obtaining a position of a selected point on the image in response to a user selecting the point on the image, and determining the target direction based on the position of the selected point on the image.

Abstract: A system for operating a mobile platform using distance and speed information and methods for making and using same. The system includes a time-of-flight sensor and an ultrasound sensor for measuring a distance between the mobile platform and an obstacle and a processor for integrating the sensed measurements and controlling the mobile platform. The distance measured by the time-of-flight sensor can be determined via a phase shift method. The time-of-flight sensor can also be used to measure a speed of the mobile platform by imaging a reference point at different times and using stereopsis to ascertain the displacement. Distances and speeds measured using the time-of-flight and ultrasound sensors can be integrated to improve measurement accuracy. The systems and methods are suitable for use in controlling any type of mobile platform, including unmanned aerial vehicles and advantageously can be applied for avoiding collisions between the mobile platform and the obstacle.

Abstract: A method for calibrating an imaging device includes calculating attitude information of the imaging device relative to a screen based at least in part on an image captured by the imaging device. The image includes information of at least a portion of a checkerboard displayed on the screen. The method further includes generating a calibration signal based at least in part on the attitude information, displaying the calibration signal on the checkerboard on the screen, and displaying a guiding signal on the screen. The guiding signal is configured to guide a user to move the imaging device or the screen.

Abstract: A method for enhancing image resolution includes obtaining one or more images of a scene. The one or more images are associated with a first depth map. The method further includes determining a second depth map of the scene based upon the one or more images. The second depth map has a higher resolution than the first depth map.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obstacle detection and state information determination are provided. In some embodiments, a movable object may carry one or more imaging devices. The imaging devices may be arranged on the movable object so as to have a field of view oriented vertically relative to the movable object. The arrangement of the imaging device may complement or supplant existing arrangement schemes and provide efficient, multi-functional and cost-effective means of arranging imaging devices on movable objects.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obstacle detection and state information determination are provided. In some embodiments, a movable object may carry one or more imaging devices. The imaging devices may be arranged on the movable object so as to have a field of view oriented vertically relative to the movable object. The arrangement of the imaging device may complement or supplant existing arrangement schemes and provide efficient, multi-functional and cost-effective means of arranging imaging devices on movable objects.

Abstract: An image processing method includes correcting a target image based on an initial distortion coefficient to obtain a first corrected target image, performing straight-line fitting on a first border line in the first corrected target image to calculate a first distortion metric value and a correction distortion coefficient, correcting the target image based on the correction distortion coefficient to obtain a second corrected target image, performing straight-line fitting on a second border line in the second corrected target image to calculate a second distortion metric value, detecting whether a preset correction condition is satisfied based on at least one of the first distortion metric value or the second distortion metric value, and configuring the correction distortion coefficient as the initial distortion coefficient if the preset correction condition is not satisfied.

Abstract: A delivering method using an unmanned aerial vehicle includes configuring a pre-set condition, locking a cargo, acquiring verification information about a recipient, comparing the verification information with the pre-set condition, and determining that verification is passed to unlock the cargo when the verification information is consistent with the pre-set condition.