UAS System Selection and Sensor Placement in Aerial Photography and FPV Racing

Unmanned Aerial System Selection and Sensor Placement

Research Analysis

Miguel A. Linares

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Introduction

         When designing an unmanned system regardless of its operational domain, one has to consider a number of factors like the type of power source, payload capacity, general mission objectives and related sensor types. This study will focus on the selection and description of two commercially available UAVs as it pertains to the aerial photography and first-person-view racer applications of each system. Each of the UAVs selected have been designed primarily to meet their intended objective. In studying these UAVs and their capabilities, the design characteristic of “onboard sensor placement” and its impact on system performance and mission accomplishment will be discussed.

Aerial Photography UAS

        Aerial photography is an industry that has greatly benefited from the use of small UAVs as it provides an appealing perspective and proximity that could not be achieved via manned aviation. Due to this industry’s open acceptance to the technology, manufacturers and developers have created a wide range of unmanned aerial photography system designs ranging form those resembling recreational model remote control fixed and rotary aircraft, to the more popular quadcopter drones.

        For this study, the DJI Phantom 4 has been selected as the ideal unmanned system to achieve optimum professional grade low altitude aerial photography, regardless of its specific market. This quadcopter drone has several design improvements that make it ideal for the task at hand such as its motor locations, imaging stabilization software, and autonomous flight functions. The motors have been raised from the previous Phantom 3 UAV meaning they will not come into the top of the image when flying forward at higher speeds. The Phantom 4 is also very stable in flight enabling a more stable image with low vibration from the motors. The gimbals enable also a more stable image. The flight modes that this DJI drone has include position hovering, tap-to-fly, follow-me, flight path pre-programming and active tracking. This drone however does have a new feature that few systems out there offer and that is an obstacle avoidance feature through the use of sonar radar sensors. The downside of this capability, which enhances the safety of the system while flying is that the sensors can only detect larger objects in front of the system. Thus, they are not capable of avoiding obstacles if flying sideways. (4K Stephen, 2016) Nonetheless, this obstacle avoidance feature is sure to be improved on in the future.

The system design places the camera below the system enabling it to capture images through a great range of angles. However, the landing gear supports are fixed and thus would obstruct the image at certain angles; a problem easily fixed by facing the drone forwards or backwards.  (Gilbertson, 2016) The fixed landing struts also serve as a protection to the camera sensor in case of a crash, which is something that other drones like the Yuneec Typhoon H would suffer great damage from. The Typhoon H has a retractible gear which enables unobstructed 360 degree rotation of the camera but at the expense of exposing the camera to possible damage. (Biggs, 2016) This system also has a more complicated controller, thus making the system harder to fly and more difficult to capture footage. (Ulanoff, 2016) The Phantom is also equipped with dual down-facing cameras that serve as a positional and flying aid when operating indoors, low to the ground, or outside of GPS signal coverage. The main camera sensor placed below and at the center of the main body has 12.4 effective megapixels to capture still images as well as shoot 4K video recording and live stream 720p HD quality video. (DJI , 2016) 

FPV Racer UAS

            When it comes to FPV drone racing, there are many systems available for all kinds of skill levels. Racing leagues like DRL (Drone Racing League) have seen competitors reach speeds of approximately 85mph from multirotor-type drones. Although the winning and fastest drones are all self-builds and have been heavily modified, there are a few ready-to-fly (RTF) racing drones available for purchase.

            The system chosen in this study for FPV racing is the Immersion RC Vortex 250 Pro. While this system is considered RTF out of the box, it is not necessarily for beginners in the drone-flying arena because of its capabilities and speed. Drones that are more user-friendly and less expensive in case of a bad crash would include the Hubsan X4 H107D. However, to win a race, the Vortex is likely the RTF drone of choice. (Nixon, 2016) The Vortex’s design does enable for a very fast and maneuverable drone. It is a quadcopter with an X-style frame that carries its components centered so that the system is well balanced, allowing for maneuvering and returning to stability with less effort from the motors and thus using less energy extending battery life. A great option of this system is the ability to adjust the angle of the flight camera up to 45 degrees. This helps specifically for this racing drone due to the incline on the platform’s body caused when traveling at higher speeds. (Immersion RC, 2016) The Vortex has been compared to other racing drones like the Walkera Furious 320, which can achieve higher speeds of 75mph compared to the Vortex’s 65mph. However, the Walkera is also bigger, heavier, less sturdy, and less agile when performing in a tight circuit. (RT Staff, 2016) The Vortex is highly durable and could survive a crash to fly another day. Furthermore, the placement of its antenna high and centralized on top of its body enables for a reliable connection with the controller despite high angles of bank.

Conclusion

            The world of small UAS has been growing and continues to grow encompassing a wide range of audience users. From enthusiast photographers or commercial film producers using the Phantom 4 in the aerial photography industry, to the beginner recreational drone pilot or the expert FPV racer and systems modification builder using the Vortex 250 to win 1^st place, there is a place for everyone in the world of small UAS.  

References

4K Stephen. (2016, April 22). DJI Phantom 4 Review – 4K UHD UAV Camera Drone Quadcopter. Retrieved from 4K: http://4k.com/drones/dji-phantom-4-review-4k-uhd-uav-camera-drone-quadcopter/

Biggs, J. (2016, August 8). The massive Yuneec Typhoon H is pure aerial video magic. Retrieved from TechCrunch: https://techcrunch.com/2016/08/08/the-massive-yuneec-typhoon-h-is-pure-aerial-video-magic/

DJI . (2016, September 25). Phantom 4 Info. Retrieved from DJI: https://www.dji.com/phantom-4/info

Gilbertson, S. (2016, April 22). Review: DJI Phantom 4. Retrieved from Wired: https://www.wired.com/2016/04/review-dji-phantom-4/

Immersion RC. (2016). Vortex 250 Pro. Retrieved September 26, 2016, from Immersion RC: Real Virtuality: http://www.immersionrc.com/fpv-products/vortex-250-pro/

Nixon, A. (2016, July 1). Racing Drone Buyers Guide. Retrieved from Best Drone for the Job: http://bestdroneforthejob.com/drones-for-fun/racing-drone-buyers-guide-2/

RT Staff. (2016, February 24). Walkera Furious 320 vs. Blade Vortex 250 Pro: Which Racing Drone is Best? Retrieved from Robotics Trends: http://www.roboticstrends.com/article/walkera_furious_320_vs_blade_vortex_250_pro_which_racing_drone_is_best

Ulanoff, L. (2016, July 7). Yuneec Typhoon H drone is full of awesome power and frustrating complexity. Retrieved from Mashable: http://mashable.com/2016/07/07/yuneec-typhoon-h-drone-review/#NDrfGYsG25qH

E.M.I.L.Y. USV in Search and Rescue Operations

Unmanned System Selection and Design Maritime Based Search and Rescue

Research Analysis

Miguel A. Linares

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Introduction

         There are numerous different circumstances and considerable factors when dealing with a Search and Rescue (SAR) situation in a maritime environment. As the name states, SAR implicates a two-part process; searching for a target of interest where the specific location is unknown, and rescuing or salvaging that target whether it is a person or an object. In this research study will focus on presenting the Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard (EMILY), an unmanned system used primarily in the rescue portion of SAR, how it operates, and what can be done to enhance its capabilities in terms of its SAR functions.

System Description and Utilization

         EMILY was developed by an Arizona based robotics company named Hydronalix. It is a remotely operated unmanned surface vehicle (USV) measuring about 4 ft in length and weighing close to 25 lbs. This USV is designed to travel on the water surface to reach a distressed person in the water much faster than a human lifeguard could. Once near the person(s) of interest (POI) EMILY can provide rest as a flotation device while a human lifeguard arrives, or pull up to 8 POI(s) to safety. EMILY is powered by a 22-volt lithium battery and a jet engine system much like a jet ski, whose jet pump is driven by a 3 kilowatt electric motor to provide POI-safe propulsion reaching speeds of around 22 mph, thus able to reach the target’s location faster than a lifeguard could swim. Because of its light weight, EMILY can be deployed very quickly by simply droping it on the water, which is faster than getting a boat ready and navigating it through other swimmers if in a beach setting. This USV’s rugged construction also allows it to be dropped from a low flying helicopter if needed in operations far from shore. (Sisk, 2016) This remotely operated version of EMILYcurrently fielded is equipped with proprioceptive sensors like its battery temperature and level sensors as well as a signal range and strength monitor for operator awareness. The exteroceptive sensors include a speed sensor telling the operator how fast the USV is traveling and a FLIR FX camera able to live stream HD quality video to the operator directly up to 500 ft or even further if using a cloud based connection. The camera also has a specifically designed waterproof casing and a wide lens covering 160 degrees allowing for more reliable visual navigation and localization of the target. Using IR illumination, the camera can also provide visible images up to 65 ft away during night operations. (FLIR Systems, Inc., 2016)

Potential System Modification

            One modification I would make to this system to enhance its efficiency in SAR operations would be to include acoustic sonar and LIDAR sensors to the bottom and sides of the USV’s hull in order to provide the operator imagery on potential individuals who may be drowning or are trapped to a sinking object. Additionally, an optical or IR laser could help mark the sinking object for a human rescuer to easily find it. Hydronalix is currently making efforts in giving EMILY an autonomous function that enables a rescuer not only to focus on physically securing the POI but also even reaching them by hitching a ride to a designated location without the need of an additional operator. (Kakissis, 2016) The autonomous function could also be used in near-surface underwater search by performing pre-programmed navigation routes to cover imagery of an area within a designated range of the rescuer.

Multi-System Integration

As mentioned above, SAR operations also include the “search” portion, which is often more efficiently performed from above having a bird’s-eye view. This is why the integration of unmanned maritime and aerial systems greatly enhances SAR operations. Specifically with EMILY, small UAV quadcopters called Fotokites have already been used to enhance the USV operator’s situational awareness for better command and control of the vehicle’s navigation thanks to having a better perspective of its relative location. (Simon, 2016) Furthermore, the ICARUS project has also been testing the integration of unmanned systems across environmental domains for numerous diverse applications but mainly with the purpose of enhancing crisis management. In maritime SAR this could mean that a swarm of autonomous and collaborative UAVs can perform area scans much faster than a single UAV could, providing quick location and situation assessment for USVs like EMILY to navigate to and respond to the situation faster and at a lower cost than a manned search would imply. (Cubber, 2014)

Conclusion

            The EMILY USV is a remarkable system that has already helped save the lives of hundreds of people all around the globe. Nonetheless, it has great potential for enhancements in the sensors it can carry as well as the power sources that are used. The evident actions and accomplishments of EMILY are certainly one of many examples of how unmanned systems can greatly improve and maximize efforts in daily operations across a wide range of applications.

References

Cubber, G. D. (2014). ICARUS Report Summary. ICARUS, European Union. CORDIS. Retrieved September 19, 2016, from http://cordis.europa.eu/result/rcn/59014_en.html

FLIR Systems, Inc. (2016, January). FLIR FX: Wireless HD monitoring, Indoor and Out. Retrieved September 19, 2016, from FLIR FX: http://www.flir.com/flirfx/content/?id=67547

Kakissis, J. (2016, March 22). How A High-Tech Buoy Named Emily Could Save Migrants Off Greece. Retrieved from NPR: All Tech Considered-Tech, Culture, and Connection: http://www.npr.org/sections/alltechconsidered/2016/03/22/471285293/how-a-high-tech-buoy-named-emily-could-save-migrants-off-greece

Simon, M. (2016, January 12). A Robot Life Preserver Goes to Work in the Greek Refugee Crisis. Retrieved from Wired: https://www.wired.com/2016/01/a-robot-life-preserver-goes-to-work-in-the-greek-refugee-crisis/

Sisk, R. (2016, May 18). Meet the US Navy's Robotic Lifeguard Named 'Emily'. Retrieved from Military.com: http://www.military.com/daily-news/2016/05/18/meet-the-us-navys-robotic-lifeguard-named-emily.html

S.L.A.M.dunk to make drones smarter!

Parrot, Canonical make a S.L.A.M.dunk to make drones smarter 

 

The world of unmanned aerial systems has been rapidly growing and uncovering new challenges to their ideal, practical, and efficient utilization. One of the biggest hurdles in this matter has been achieving the point where the small drone or UAV has the ability to avoid obstacles autonomously. The article from the Splash Gear site presents an innovative piece of technology being introduced into the market later this year, which would further a small UAV’s abilities in regards to autonomy and obstacle avoidance through environment 3D mapping. 

The device was developed by a partnership between Parrot, a renowned company in drone development, and Canonical. It is called the S.L.A.M. dunk; short for “Simultaneous Location and Mapping”, and it is meant to be mounted horizontally to a drone serving as its eyes. It is a development kit equipped with sensors and processors including an NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor, a 1500×1500 fish-eye stereo camera, an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), an ultrasound sensor, a magnetometer, and a barometer. These enable the drone to receive information and formulate commands to avoid obstacles in its intended or pre-programmed path. 

Canonical brings the software side of the operation to the S.L.A.M. dunk. Using Ubuntu and Robot Operating System (ROS) this kit is highly desirable among developers for its flexibility in experimentation and modifiability. The device also provides mobile computing in that when connected to a monitor, it enables access to a regular Ubuntu desktop.

 Although there are autonomous drones in the market already, they are generally very expensive and are hardly modifiable or open to development. Most affordable drones are not autonomous and are limited in the operational distance from an operator who remotely sends the commands. With this device autonomous tasks can be programmed such as mapping, imaging, or even walking the dog. 

Torres, J. (2016, September 9). Parrot, Canonical make a S.L.A.M.dunk to make drones smarter. Retrieved from Splash Gear: http://www.slashgear.com/parrot-canonical-make-a-s-l-a-m-dunk-to-make-drones-smarter-09455455/

Introduction

Who is the author? and What is this blog about?

I was born in Bogota, Colombia, and grew up enjoying activities like music, sports (namely soccer), and independence day parades which included aerial demonstrations by fighter jet aircraft. As a result, a passion for flying and a thirst for learning the science of aviation was developed and has brought forth a number of accomplishments and experiences.

I moved to the United States at age 11 living in South Florida. Graduated High School from an aviation magnet program and completed an International Business and Trade Bachelors Degree at Florida Atlantic University with minors in Aviation Management and Aeronautical Science. Throughout undergraduate college, I also attained a Single-Engine-Land rated Private Pilot's License.

After attaining my undergraduate degree, I chose to join the Air Force to serve and give back to this country, which has given me the opportunities I've had. I was able to get involved with the technological advancements being applied in unmanned aerial surveillance and warfare, in addition to enrolling in Embry Riddle Aeronautical University's Masters of Science in Unmanned Systems.

This blog is intended to portray current and relevant matters, studies, and advancements in the ever growing world of aerial unmanned systems. It is also intended to spark thoughts and inspire conversations or comments that update and further the knowledge and information of the technological advancement in the area of unmanned systems and their applications in the aviation environment.