A Miniature Wildlife Tracking UAV Payload System Using Acoustic Biotelemetry

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miguel Leonardo ◽  
Austin M. Jensen ◽  
Calvin Coopmans ◽  
Mac McKee ◽  
YangQuan Chen
Keyword(s):  
Tracking System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
State University ◽  
Utah State University ◽  
Wildlife Tracking ◽  
Tracking Process ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Effort Reduction ◽  
Usage Flexibility

Studying the biological processes of wildlife and how they react and prevail with human population growth and development has become very important to sustain species and prevent extinction. Wildlife tracking has become a very important tool in this matter by giving researchers an idea of animal territory and habitat. However, the process of finding the animal after it has been tagged can be very tedious and costly. To make this tracking process more efficient, researchers at Utah State University (USU) are developing a low cost RF telemetry system for wildlife tracking using an autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for triangulation and geo-location of the target. The use of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for wildlife tracking offer many advantages such as cost reduction, human effort reduction and data acquisition efficiency due to the usage flexibility offered by the system in comparison to conventional methods. This paper presents the design of this tracking system, and shows some experimental data.

scholarly journals ALGORITHM FOR DIGITAL CONTROL OF THE ANTENNA OF THE GROUND CONTROL POINT OF THE UNMANNED AVIATION COMPLEX

2019 ◽  
pp. 144-151
Author(s):  
V. V. Vortnikov ◽  
I. V. Zimchuk ◽  
R. V. Netrebko
Keyword(s):  
Digital Control ◽  
Control Algorithm ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Control Point ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Digital Controller ◽  
Object A ◽  
Dynamic Accuracy ◽  
Aerial Vehicle

Every year, unmanned aircraft systems are increasingly used in both the civilian and military spheres. Stable communication with an unmanned aerial vehicle is provided by high-precision pointing of the antenna of the ground control point. In the automatic tracking mode of an unmanned aerial vehicle, the antenna guidance is carried out by the automatic tracking system in the direction. It is shown that the main requirement that is put forward in the direction of the auto tracking system is high dynamic accuracy under conditions of disturbances and noises of various kinds. The traditional directional tracking system is not able to provide high precision antenna pointing. It is proposed to improve the quality of the tracking system in both transient and steady-state operating modes by supplementing the existing analog system with a digital correction subsystem. That is why the work is devoted to the synthesis of the digital control algorithm for the electric drive of the antenna of the ground receiving and transmitting station of an unmanned aircraft complex. The digital control algorithm is synthesized as a result of solving difference equations determined by the discrete transfer function of the digital controller. In practice, preference is given to simple controls, the dimension of which is less than the dimension of the object. A simplification of the controller structure was achieved by using a reduced model of the antenna control system in the synthesis process. The reduction is implemented by a method that is based on the proximity of the transition characteristics of mathematical models of initial and reduced control objects covered by a single negative feedback. To assess the degree of proximity, indirect indicators of the quality of the transition process are used. The direct synthesis of the controller is performed by a method that is based on the theory of invariance and provides for the compensation of zeros and poles of the transfer function of the control object. A distinctive feature of the method used is the ability to take into account the stability requirements and the given dynamic accuracy of the control system at the stage of synthesis of the digital controller. The simulation results confirming the efficiency and effectiveness of the synthesized control algorithm are presented.

scholarly journals Design and field campaign validation of a multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicle and optical particle counter

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 6613-6630
Author(s):  
Joseph Girdwood ◽  
Helen Smith ◽  
Warren Stanley ◽  
Zbigniew Ulanowski ◽  
Chris Stopford ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Coefficient Of Determination ◽  
Sampling System ◽  
Particle Counter ◽  
Representative Sampling ◽  
Atmospheric Particulates ◽  
Optical Particle Counter ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Glass Optics

Abstract. Small unmanned aircraft (SUA) have the potential to be used as platforms for the measurement of atmospheric particulates. The use of an SUA platform for these measurements provides benefits such as high manoeuvrability, reusability, and low cost when compared with traditional techniques. However, the complex aerodynamics of an SUA – particularly for multi-rotor airframes – pose difficulties for accurate and representative sampling of particulates. The use of a miniaturised, lightweight optical particle instrument also presents reliability problems since most optical components in a lightweight system (for example laser diodes, plastic optics, and photodiodes) are less stable than their larger, heavier, and more expensive equivalents (temperature-regulated lasers, glass optics, and photomultiplier tubes). The work presented here relies on computational fluid dynamics with Lagrangian particle tracking (CFD–LPT) simulations to influence the design of a bespoke meteorological sampling system: the UH-AeroSAM. This consists of a custom-built airframe, designed to reduce sampling artefacts due to the propellers, and a purpose-built open-path optical particle counter (OPC) – the Ruggedised Cloud and Aerosol Sounding System (RCASS). OPC size distribution measurements from the UH-AeroSAM are compared with the cloud, aerosol, and precipitation spectrometer (CAPS) for measurements of stratus clouds during the Pallas Cloud Experiment (PaCE) in 2019. Good agreement is demonstrated between the two instruments. The integrated dN∕dlog (Dp) is shown to have a coefficient of determination of 0.8 and a regression slope of 0.9 when plotted 1:1.

IN-HOUSE DEVELOPMENT OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE AUTOMATIC ANTENNA TRACKING SYSTEM

2015 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Fahmi Abd Samad ◽  
Mohd Izhar Harun
Keyword(s):  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ◽  
System Integration ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Radio Communication ◽  
Data Link ◽  
Testing Stage ◽  
Software Development System ◽  
Cost Development ◽  
Aerial Vehicle

The control of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) requires a two-way radio communication between the UAV and ground control station (GCS). This radio communication is achieved through the use of antennas as medium of recital and transmission in the data-link system. This paper presents the project of an in-house low-cost development of a UAV automatic antenna tracking system. The presentation includes the control system design, hardware and software development, system integration and testing stage. The development ended with a successfully operational automatic antenna tracking system in a benchtop testing and validation.

scholarly journals POTENTIAL OF UAV-BASED LASER SCANNER AND MULTISPECTRAL CAMERA DATA IN BUILDING INSPECTION

2016 ◽  
Vol XLI-B1 ◽  
pp. 1135-1142 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Mader ◽  
R. Blaskow ◽  
P. Westfeld ◽  
C. Weller
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Laser Scanner ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft Systems ◽  
Heavy Vehicles ◽  
Bridge Inspection ◽  
Aircraft Systems ◽  
Cost System ◽  
Thermal Cameras ◽  
Aerial Vehicle

Conventional building inspection of bridges, dams or large constructions in general is rather time consuming and often cost expensive due to traffic closures and the need of special heavy vehicles such as under-bridge inspection units or other large lifting platforms. In consideration that, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will be more reliable and efficient as well as less expensive and simpler to operate. The utilisation of UAVs as an assisting tool in building inspections is obviously. Furthermore, light-weight special sensors such as infrared and thermal cameras as well as laser scanner are available and predestined for usage on unmanned aircraft systems. Such a flexible low-cost system is realized in the ADFEX project with the goal of time-efficient object exploration, monitoring and damage detection. For this purpose, a fleet of UAVs, equipped with several sensors for navigation, obstacle avoidance and 3D object-data acquisition, has been developed and constructed. This contribution deals with the potential of UAV-based data in building inspection. Therefore, an overview of the ADFEX project, sensor specifications and requirements of building inspections in general are given. On the basis of results achieved in practical studies, the applicability and potential of the UAV system in building inspection will be presented and discussed.

scholarly journals Utilization of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technology for mapping and identification of agroforestry land cover patterns in Namolandur Village, North Sumatra

2021 ◽  
Vol 912 (1) ◽  
pp. 012075
Author(s):  
H Arinah ◽  
A S Thoha ◽  
Z Mardiyadi ◽  
O A Lubis
Keyword(s):  
Land Use ◽  
Land Cover ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Fish Ponds ◽  
Land Utilization ◽  
Aerial Vehicle

Abstract Agroforestry-based land use is widely used in society, particularly in rural areas. With a combination of tree crops (annual) and crops (seasonal), agroforestry patterns can maximize land utilization. Unmanned aircraft, often known as drones, can map and detect land cover to optimise land usage based on agroforestry. Drones have various advantages, including low cost, ease of acquisition, and the ability to utilize them in high-risk situations without endangering human life or in difficult or inaccessible places. They can also fly at low altitudes, resulting in cloud-free shots and sharper images. This research focuses on using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to map agroforestry patterns in Namolandur Village and detect and determine the area of each agroforestry pattern land cover using aerial camera photos. Using the Mavic 2 pro drone and Pix4D Mapper software for aerial photo processing, Namolandur village became the research subject. The data analysis revealed that agrisilviculture, agrosilvofishery, and agrosilvopastoral were the forms of land use with agroforestry patterns in the village of Namolandur. In addition, water guava, duku fruit (Lansium domestika), oil palm, coconut, and a combination of fish ponds, cattle, and goats are among the geographical analysis of the area and each form of land use.

scholarly journals Experimental maneuverability and agility quantification for rotary unmanned aerial vehicle

2017 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon Verbeke ◽  
Joris De Schutter
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Test Procedure ◽  
Open Loop ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Test Procedures ◽  
Minimum Requirements ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
And Control ◽  
Published Research ◽  
Rotary Type

Multicopters are the most popular rotary type of unmanned aerial vehicles. They are a type of helicopter with three or more, usually fixed-pitch, propellers that lift and control the platform by individually changing their rotational velocities. The main advantages of a multicopter are its compactness, robustness, and low cost to build and repair. However, currently no published research determines objectively, quantitatively, and experimentally, the maneuverability and agility of multicopters. Numerous maneuverability and agility metrics, together with detailed test procedures and minimum requirements, exist for manned aircraft. Nevertheless, some of these are not directly applicable to small-size unmanned aircraft. A new test procedure, derived from manned aircraft industry practices and research, based on a simple open-loop step input maneuver, was developed. It experimentally determines nine maneuverability and agility metrics using only onboard flight controller logs. The test procedure is validated using two different multicopters.

scholarly journals POTENTIAL OF UAV-BASED LASER SCANNER AND MULTISPECTRAL CAMERA DATA IN BUILDING INSPECTION

2016 ◽  
Vol XLI-B1 ◽  
pp. 1135-1142 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Mader ◽  
R. Blaskow ◽  
P. Westfeld ◽  
C. Weller
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Laser Scanner ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft Systems ◽  
Heavy Vehicles ◽  
Bridge Inspection ◽  
Aircraft Systems ◽  
Cost System ◽  
Thermal Cameras ◽  
Aerial Vehicle

Conventional building inspection of bridges, dams or large constructions in general is rather time consuming and often cost expensive due to traffic closures and the need of special heavy vehicles such as under-bridge inspection units or other large lifting platforms. In consideration that, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) will be more reliable and efficient as well as less expensive and simpler to operate. The utilisation of UAVs as an assisting tool in building inspections is obviously. Furthermore, light-weight special sensors such as infrared and thermal cameras as well as laser scanner are available and predestined for usage on unmanned aircraft systems. Such a flexible low-cost system is realized in the ADFEX project with the goal of time-efficient object exploration, monitoring and damage detection. For this purpose, a fleet of UAVs, equipped with several sensors for navigation, obstacle avoidance and 3D object-data acquisition, has been developed and constructed. This contribution deals with the potential of UAV-based data in building inspection. Therefore, an overview of the ADFEX project, sensor specifications and requirements of building inspections in general are given. On the basis of results achieved in practical studies, the applicability and potential of the UAV system in building inspection will be presented and discussed.

Integration of an Autopilot System With a Hobby RC Helicopter

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pu Xie ◽  
Bryndan Gardner ◽  
Ou Ma
Keyword(s):  
Electromagnetic Interference ◽  
Vibration Isolation ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Flight Test ◽  
State University ◽  
Electromagnetic Interference Shielding ◽  
Isolation Technique ◽  
Gas Engine ◽  
New Mexico State University ◽  
Aerial Vehicle

This paper describes the integration and test work of a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with autopilot capability, which is currently being developed at New Mexico State University. The UAV is an integration of a commercially available autopilot system (Micropilot’s MP2128HELI) with an RC helicopter (Raptor 90). It has been found quite challenging to integrate an autopilot system with a hobby RC helicopter for research purpose because hobby airframes, as low-cost and manually operated toys, were not designed readily for working with delicate and sensitive autopilot electronics. In our case, the strong vibration disturbances from the gas engine and other moving parts of the airframe significantly corrupted the signals from the avionics hardware. Innovative vibration isolation technique has been developed to mechanically isolate the vibrations from affecting the autopilot system. Several other key problems related to electromagnetic interference shielding and safe flight test were also effectively solved on the project. The integration work has been completed and the UAV is currently being tested.

scholarly journals THE PREDICTION OF POSITION AND ORIENTATION PARAMETERS OF UAV FOR VIDEO IMAGING

2017 ◽  
Vol XLII-2/W6 ◽  
pp. 407-413 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Wierzbicki
Keyword(s):  
Standard Deviation ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Prediction Models ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Digital Camera ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Navigation Data ◽  
Aerial Vehicle ◽  
Position And Orientation ◽  
Trigonometric Model

The paper presents the results of the prediction for the parameters of the position and orientation of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with compact digital camera. Issue focus in this paper is to achieve optimal accuracy and reliability of the geo-referenced video frames on the basis of data from the navigation sensors mounted on UAV. In experiments two mathematical models were used for the process of the prediction: the polynomial model and the trigonometric model. The forecast values of position and orientation of UAV were compared with readings low cost GPS and INS sensors mounted on the unmanned Trimble UX-5 platform. Research experiment was conducted on the preview of navigation data from 23 measuring epochs. The forecast coordinate values and angles of the turnover and the actual readings of the sensor Trimble UX-5 were compared in this paper. Based on the results of the comparison it was determined that: the best results of co-ordinate comparison of an unmanned aerial vehicle received for the storage with, whereas worst for the coordinate Y on the base of both prediction models, obtained value of standard deviation for the coordinate XYZ from both prediction models does not cross over a admissible criterion 10 m for the term of the exactitudes of the position of a unmanned aircraft. The best results of the comparison of the angles of the turn of a unmanned aircraft received for the angle Pitch, whereas worst for the angles Heading and Roll on the base of both prediction models. Obtained value of standard deviation for the angles of turn HPR from both prediction models does not exceed a admissible exactitude 5° only for the angle Pitch, however crosses over this value for the angles Heading and Roll.

Design of the Target Tracking Process Based on DM648

2014 ◽  
Vol 599-601 ◽  
pp. 904-907
Author(s):  
Guang Yu Yao ◽  
Lu Song
Keyword(s):  
Target Tracking ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Intelligent Transportation System ◽  
Tracking System ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Detection And Tracking ◽  
Vehicle Detection And Tracking ◽  
Tracking Process ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Fast Processing

Compared with the traditional vehicle detector, the vehicle detection and tracking based on video image processing and the technique of visual target has fast processing speed, and convenient installation and maintenance, and low cost, wide range of monitoring, can obtain more kinds of traffic parameters, and many other advantages, has become more and more widely used in intelligent transportation system (ITS) in recent years. This paper introduces a method for real-time detection, target tracking in traffic image sequences from a fixed single camera. The System adopts TMS320DM648 as the core processor to implement the real-time target tracking algorithms, mainly complete the effective information real-time display of the software and hardware design of target tracking system, application flexibility, small volume, stable and reliable, it is very practical in practice.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document