Automated Cinematography Motion Planning for UAVs

TL;DR

This paper presents an algorithm for automated drone cinematography that plans smooth, obstacle-avoiding trajectories to keep a target object in frame, enhancing aerial filming with minimal pilot expertise.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel motion planning algorithm enabling UAVs to autonomously film moving objects while avoiding obstacles and maintaining smooth camera movements.

Findings

Successful simulation of the algorithm in complex environments

Ability to keep the target in frame during dynamic movements

Obstacle avoidance integrated with cinematography constraints

Abstract

This project aimed to develop an automated cinematography platform using an unmanned aerial vehicle. Quadcopters are a great platform for shooting aerial scenes but are difficult to maneuver smoothly and can require expertise to pilot. We aim to design an algorithm to enable automated cinematography of a desired object of interest. Given the location of an object and other obstacles in the environment, the drone is able to plan its trajectory while simultaneously keeping the desired object in the video frame and avoiding obstacles. The high maneuverability of quadcopter platforms coupled with the desire for smooth movement and stability from camera platforms means a robust motion planning algorithm must be developed which can take advantage of the quadcopter's abilities while creating motion paths which satisfy the ultimate goal of capturing aerial video. This project aims to research, develop, simulate, and test such an algorithm.