scholarly journals Advanced Software Ground Station and UAV Development for NLoS Control Using Mobile Communications

2015 ◽  
Vol 2015 ◽  
pp. 1-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amr AbdElHamid ◽  
Peng Zong ◽  
Bassant Abdelhamid
Keyword(s):  
Mobile Communications ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Weather Forecast ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Long Distance ◽  
Ground Station ◽  
Commercial Off The Shelf ◽  
End Node ◽  
Aerial Systems

Over the last decades, Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs) have gained much attention due to their various applications in different sections. However, their communication range is limited to utilized communication equipment. Therefore, utilization of GSM channels opens a new prospect towards long distance UAV missions and mobile command and control centers. This paper demonstrates new design and development of a small-scale UAV and a Ground Control Station (GCS) using GSM bidirectional communications for Non-Line of Sight (NLoS) long range control. GCSs are considered the front end node in UAV guidance process. Therefore, the proposed GCS employs a two-layer framework to consider all ground pilot requirements. Moreover, a new exploitation of global weather forecast data is added to the GCS. On the other hand, the proposed airborne system utilizes a new integration of different Commercial off-the-Shelf (COTS) components and excludes short range receivers. The ground and flight tests show that stable bidirectional GSM communication is established, reliable hardware integration is accomplished, real time performance is achieved, GCS functional fidelity is obtained, and low cost is maintained. Finally, some qualitative aspects of the proposed platform are presented to address the detailed features.

Microraptor: A Low-Cost Autonomous Quadrotor System

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Osamah A. Rawashdeh ◽  
Hong Chul Yang ◽  
Rami D. AbouSleiman ◽  
Belal H. Sababha
Keyword(s):  
Data Exchange ◽  
Engineering Students ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Ground Station ◽  
Custom Made ◽  
System Operator ◽  
Path Navigation ◽  
Aerial Systems ◽  
Quadrotor System

This paper describes Microraptor, a complete low-cost autonomous quadrotor system designed for surveillance and reconnaissance applications. The Microraptor ground station is custom-made and features a graphical user interface that presents and allows the manipulation of various flight parameters. The aerial vehicle is a 4-rotor vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicle that features the advantages of traditional helicopters with significant reduction in mechanical complexity. The vehicle frame is a handmade magnesium and carbon fiber structure. The onboard avionics system is a custom dual processor design capable of autonomous path navigation and data exchange with the ground station. The vehicle is outfitted with a video and still-photo system that provides real-time images to the system operator through the GUI. The system is being developed at Oakland University by a team of multidisciplinary undergraduate and graduate engineering students. Microraptor placed 5th at the 2008 Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Competition and is set to compete again in June of 2009.

scholarly journals Accuracy of 3D Landscape Reconstruction without Ground Control Points Using Different UAS Platforms

Drones ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Kalacska ◽  
Oliver Lucanus ◽  
J. Pablo Arroyo-Mora ◽  
Étienne Laliberté ◽  
Kathryn Elmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Ground Control ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Control Points ◽  
Model Errors ◽  
Positional Accuracy ◽  
Ground Control Points ◽  
Digital Elevation ◽  
High Level ◽  
Aerial Systems

The rapid increase of low-cost consumer-grade to enterprise-level unmanned aerial systems (UASs) has resulted in the exponential use of these systems in many applications. Structure from motion with multiview stereo (SfM-MVS) photogrammetry is now the baseline for the development of orthoimages and 3D surfaces (e.g., digital elevation models). The horizontal and vertical positional accuracies (x, y and z) of these products in general, rely heavily on the use of ground control points (GCPs). However, for many applications, the use of GCPs is not possible. Here we tested 14 UASs to assess the positional and within-model accuracy of SfM-MVS reconstructions of low-relief landscapes without GCPs ranging from consumer to enterprise-grade vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) platforms. We found that high positional accuracy is not necessarily related to the platform cost or grade, rather the most important aspect is the use of post-processing kinetic (PPK) or real-time kinetic (RTK) solutions for geotagging the photographs. SfM-MVS products generated from UAS with onboard geotagging, regardless of grade, results in greater positional accuracies and lower within-model errors. We conclude that where repeatability and adherence to a high level of accuracy are needed, only RTK and PPK systems should be used without GCPs.

scholarly journals Experimental Comparison of Direct and Active Throttle Control of a 7 kW Turboelectric Power System for Unmanned Aircraft

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (22) ◽  
pp. 10608
Author(s):  
Johnathan Burgess ◽  
Timothy Runnels ◽  
Joshua Johnsen ◽  
Joshua Drake ◽  
Kurt Rouser
Keyword(s):  
Transient Behavior ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Experimental Comparison ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Operational Parameters ◽  
Turbine Engine ◽  
Control Scheme ◽  
Aerial Systems ◽  
Electric Loads

This article compares direct turbine throttle control and active turbine throttle control for a turboelectric system; the featured turboprop is rated for 7 kW of shaft output power. The powerplant is intended for applications in unmanned aerial systems and requires a control system to produce different amounts of power for varying mission legs. The most straightforward control scheme explored is direct turbine control, which is characterized by the pilot controlling the throttle of the turbine engine. In contrast, active control is characterized by the turbine reacting to the power demanded by the electric motors or battery recharge cycle. The transient response to electric loads of a small-scale turboelectric system is essential in identifying and characterizing such a system’s safe operational parameters. This paper directly compares the turbogenerator’s transient behavior to varying electric loads and categorizes its dynamic response. A proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) control algorithm was utilized as an active throttle controller through a microcontroller with battery power augmentation for the turboelectric system. This controller manages the turbine’s throttle reactions in response to any electric load when applied or altered. By comparing the system’s response with and without the controller, the authors provide a method to safely minimize the response time of the active throttle controller for use in the real-world environment of unmanned aircraft.

scholarly journals Unmanned Aerial Systems for Investigating the Polar Atmospheric Boundary Layer—Technical Challenges and Examples of Applications

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Astrid Lampert ◽  
Barbara Altstädter ◽  
Konrad Bärfuss ◽  
Lutz Bretschneider ◽  
Jesper Sandgaard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Boundary Layer ◽  
Atmospheric Boundary Layer ◽  
Low Temperatures ◽  
Open Water ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Research Activities ◽  
Aerial Systems ◽  
The Impact

Unmanned aerial systems (UAS) fill a gap in high-resolution observations of meteorological parameters on small scales in the atmospheric boundary layer (ABL). Especially in the remote polar areas, there is a strong need for such detailed observations with different research foci. In this study, three systems are presented which have been adapted to the particular needs for operating in harsh polar environments: The fixed-wing aircraft M 2 AV with a mass of 6 kg, the quadrocopter ALICE with a mass of 19 kg, and the fixed-wing aircraft ALADINA with a mass of almost 25 kg. For all three systems, their particular modifications for polar operations are documented, in particular the insulation and heating requirements for low temperatures. Each system has completed meteorological observations under challenging conditions, including take-off and landing on the ice surface, low temperatures (down to −28 ∘ C), icing, and, for the quadrocopter, under the impact of the rotor downwash. The influence on the measured parameters is addressed here in the form of numerical simulations and spectral data analysis. Furthermore, results from several case studies are discussed: With the M 2 AV, low-level flights above leads in Antarctic sea ice were performed to study the impact of areas of open water within ice surfaces on the ABL, and a comparison with simulations was performed. ALICE was used to study the small-scale structure and short-term variability of the ABL during a cruise of RV Polarstern to the 79 ∘ N glacier in Greenland. With ALADINA, aerosol measurements of different size classes were performed in Ny-Ålesund, Svalbard, in highly complex terrain. In particular, very small, freshly formed particles are difficult to monitor and require the active control of temperature inside the instruments. The main aim of the article is to demonstrate the potential of UAS for ABL studies in polar environments, and to provide practical advice for future research activities with similar systems.

scholarly journals A Framework for Multiple Ground Target Finding and Inspection Using a Multirotor UAS

Sensors ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 272 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajmal Hinas ◽  
Roshan Ragel ◽  
Jonathan Roberts ◽  
Felipe Gonzalez
Keyword(s):  
Target Detection ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Target Position ◽  
Position Estimation ◽  
Quality Data ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Modular Software ◽  
Ground Target ◽  
High Level ◽  
Aerial Systems

Small unmanned aerial systems (UASs) now have advanced waypoint-based navigation capabilities, which enable them to collect surveillance, wildlife ecology and air quality data in new ways. The ability to remotely sense and find a set of targets and descend and hover close to each target for an action is desirable in many applications, including inspection, search and rescue and spot spraying in agriculture. This paper proposes a robust framework for vision-based ground target finding and action using the high-level decision-making approach of Observe, Orient, Decide and Act (OODA). The proposed framework was implemented as a modular software system using the robotic operating system (ROS). The framework can be effectively deployed in different applications where single or multiple target detection and action is needed. The accuracy and precision of camera-based target position estimation from a low-cost UAS is not adequate for the task due to errors and uncertainties in low-cost sensors, sensor drift and target detection errors. External disturbances such as wind also pose further challenges. The implemented framework was tested using two different test cases. Overall, the results show that the proposed framework is robust to localization and target detection errors and able to perform the task.

scholarly journals Assessing the Accuracy of Digital Surface Models Derived from Optical Imagery Acquired with Unmanned Aerial Systems

Drones ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salvatore Manfreda ◽  
Petr Dvorak ◽  
Jana Mullerova ◽  
Sorin Herban ◽  
Pietro Vuono ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
3D Model ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Careful Consideration ◽  
Ground Control ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Control Points ◽  
Earthen Dam ◽  
Ground Control Points ◽  
Aerial Systems

Small unmanned aerial systems (UASs) equipped with an optical camera are a cost-effective strategy for topographic surveys. These low-cost UASs can provide useful information for three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction even if they are equipped with a low-quality navigation system. To ensure the production of high-quality topographic models, careful consideration of the flight mode and proper distribution of ground control points are required. To this end, a commercial UAS was adopted to monitor a small earthen dam using different combinations of flight configurations and by adopting a variable number of ground control points (GCPs). The results highlight that optimization of both the choice and combination of flight plans can reduce the relative error of the 3D model to within two meters without the need to include GCPs. However, the use of GCPs greatly improved the quality of the topographic survey, reducing error to the order of a few centimeters. The combined use of images extracted from two flights, one with a camera mounted at nadir and the second with a 20° angle, was found to be beneficial for increasing the overall accuracy of the 3D model and especially the vertical precision.

Detection of Conflicts Between ADS-B-Equipped Aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 2674 (1) ◽  
pp. 197-204
Author(s):  
John H. Mott ◽  
Zachary A. Marshall ◽  
Mark A. Vandehey ◽  
Mike May ◽  
Darcy M. Bullock
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Federal Aviation Administration ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Sensor Technology ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Aircraft Flight ◽  
Flight Operations ◽  
Aerial Systems ◽  
Operational Simplicity

Versatile unmanned aerial system (UAS) platforms have grown significantly in popularity by virtue of their low cost relative to manned aircraft, high performance, and operational simplicity. While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) currently regulates the operating altitudes, speeds, weights, pilot qualifications, and locations of drones, a lack of capacity and technology prohibits sufficient enforcement of these restrictions. To assess the frequency and severity of manned and unmanned aircraft separation incidents, and to examine the emerging sensor technology available to facilitate such assessment, flight operations in controlled airspace around Orlando Melbourne International Airport (KMLB) were monitored. One sensor system deployed at KMLB reported UAS locations, altitudes, and flight durations, while a second system reported manned aircraft positions, altitudes, and timestamps using ADS-B signals. Evaluation of flight operations data in the vicinity of KMLB revealed eight potential drone incursions over a 2-week period. Aircraft flight paths were retroactively tracked to map these unmanned and manned aerial conflicts; aircraft identification information was also researched to contextualize the incidents. The frequency and magnitude of identified events suggest the need for additional research to further explore the problem scope and potential solutions.

scholarly journals FESSTVaL: Field Experiment on sub-mesoscale spatio-temporal variability in Lindenberg – the campaign 2021 an its predecessors

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathy Hohenegger ◽  
Felix Ament ◽  
Frank Beyrich ◽  
Ivan Bastak Duran ◽  
Ulrich Löhnert ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Field Experiment ◽  
Temporal Variability ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Cold Pools ◽  
Measurement Strategy ◽  
Meteorological Observatory ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Aerial Systems

<p>Measuring submesoscale variability is the core task of the field campaign FESSTVaL (Field Experiment on Sub-Mesoscale Spatio-Temporal Variability in Lindenberg).  FESSTVaL focuses on three sources of submesoscale variability: cold pools, wind gusts and boundary layer pattern. It took place in the summer months of 2021 at the Meteorological Observatory Lindenberg – Richard-Aßmann-Observatory (MOL-RAO) of the German Weather Service (DWD) near Berlin and was initiated by the Hans-Ertel-Center for Weather Research (HErZ).</p><p>In order to capture phenomena at the submesoscale (500 m – 5 km), generally not captured by conventional measurement network, a hierarchical measurement strategy is adopted. This includes wind profiling stations with a coordinated scanning strategy of several Doppler Lidars, two mobile profilers to measure thermodynamic properties and precipitation, more than 100 stations with near-surface measurements of air temperature, pressure and soil moisture, more than 20 automatic weather stations, an X-Band radar, and a number of energy balance stations. This equipment is augmented by the extensive ground-based remote sensing array at the MOL-RAO, operated by DWD and by flights operated by Unmanned Aerial Systems. Complementing to this, the benefit of a citizen-science measurement network is investigated during the campaign with “Internet-of-things” based technology and low-cost sensors built and maintained by citizens. The measurements are supplemented by high-resolution large-eddy simulations (ICON-LES).</p><p>Originally planned for the summer 2020, FESSTVaL had to be postponed to 2021 and replaced by three local individual campaigns, conducted in Bayern, Lindenberg and Hamburg in 2020. Those three test campaigns demonstrated the ability of the envisionned measurement strategy and planned instruments to capture submesoscale variability and submesoscale weather phenomean. This talk will give a brief overview on the results of these three campaigns, as a foretaste to FESSTVaL, together with some of the very first measurements taken during FESSTVaL. </p>

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document