Technology behind camera drones with "follow" function

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SUMMARY

Modern camera drones, such as the DJI Phantom 4, utilize a "follow" function primarily through optical tracking, while other brands often require users to carry a smartphone or wearable device. The operation of this function involves the drone receiving GPS coordinates from the smartphone or wearable, allowing it to determine its distance and direction relative to the user. Although standard GPS accuracy is limited to a few meters, differential GPS techniques can enhance precision to about a centimeter, mitigating atmospheric errors and improving tracking reliability.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of GPS technology and its limitations
  • Familiarity with optical tracking systems in drones
  • Knowledge of differential GPS techniques
  • Basic concepts of drone navigation and control systems
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of differential GPS and its applications in drone technology
  • Explore the functionality and specifications of the DJI Phantom 4's optical tracking system
  • Investigate other brands' tracking technologies and their reliance on smartphones or wearables
  • Learn about the impact of atmospheric conditions on GPS accuracy and drone performance
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, drone enthusiasts, and technology developers interested in the mechanics of drone navigation and tracking systems.

greypilgrim
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Hi.
Most modern camera quadcopters (drones) have a "follow" function, allowing them to follow and film a person. The DJI Phantom 4 does this by optical tracking, most other brands require that the person carry a smartphone or other wearable.

How does this work? I assume the smartphone or wearable sends a signal, but how can a single drone determine its distance and direction from the source? Obviously not by triangulation.

Or is it that simple that both the smartphone/wearable and the drone must have GPS and the drone simply receives the coordinates of the sender, compares them with its own and follows? But is this fast and accurate enough? As far as I know GPS is only accurate to a couple of meters, which could bring the drone dangerously close to the person it follows so far away that the camera shots become useless.
 
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I don't know what exactly the different tools are using, but GPS is precise enough. The absolute precision of GPS is not good, but the problem mainly comes from atmospheric effects - nearby GPS devices will have the same measurement errors so they cancel in the difference. Even if the receivers are kilometers apart this differential GPS can achieve an accuracy of about a centimeter.
 

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