scholarly journals A Novel Motion Blur Resistant vSLAM Framework for Micro/Nano-UAVs

Drones ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (4) ◽  
pp. 121
Author(s):  
Buğra ŞİMŞEK ◽  
Hasan Şakir BİLGE
Keyword(s):  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Situational Awareness ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Motion Blur ◽  
Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Motion Deblurring ◽  
Localization And Mapping ◽  
Near Future ◽  
Nano Size

Localization and mapping technologies are of great importance for all varieties of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to perform their operations. In the near future, it is planned to increase the use of micro/nano-size UAVs. Such vehicles are sometimes expendable platforms, and reuse may not be possible. Compact, mounted and low-cost cameras are preferred in these UAVs due to weight, cost and size limitations. Visual simultaneous localization and mapping (vSLAM) methods are used for providing situational awareness of micro/nano-size UAVs. Fast rotational movements that occur during flight with gimbal-free, mounted cameras cause motion blur. Above a certain level of motion blur, tracking losses exist, which causes vSLAM algorithms not to operate effectively. In this study, a novel vSLAM framework is proposed that prevents the occurrence of tracking losses in micro/nano-UAVs due to the motion blur. In the proposed framework, the blur level of the frames obtained from the platform camera is determined and the frames whose focus measure score is below the threshold are restored by specific motion-deblurring methods. The major reasons of tracking losses have been analyzed with experimental studies, and vSLAM algorithms have been made durable by our studied framework. It has been observed that our framework can prevent tracking losses at 5, 10 and 20 fps processing speeds. vSLAM algorithms continue to normal operations at those processing speeds that have not been succeeded before using standard vSLAM algorithms, which can be considered as a superiority of our study.

scholarly journals Autonomous Mapping and Exploration with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Using Low Cost Sensors

Proceedings ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 44 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ankit Ravankar ◽  
Abhijeet Ravankar ◽  
Yukinori Kobayashi ◽  
Takanori Emaru
Keyword(s):  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Field Of View ◽  
Large Field ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Physical Constraints ◽  
Autonomous Operation ◽  
Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Unknown Environments ◽  
Localization And Mapping

Mapping and exploration are important tasks of mobile robots for various applications such as search and rescue, inspection, and surveillance. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are more suited for such tasks because they have a large field of view compared to ground robots. Autonomous operation of UAVs is desirable for exploration in unknown environments. In such environments, the UAV must make a map of the environment and simultaneously localize itself in it which is commonly known as the SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) problem. This is also required to safely navigate between open spaces, and make informed decisions about the exploration targets. UAVs have physical constraints including limited payload, and are generally equipped with low-spec embedded computational devices and sensors. Therefore, it is often challenging to achieve robust SLAM on UAVs which also affects exploration. In this paper, we present an autonomous exploration of UAVs in completely unknown environments using low cost sensors such as LIDAR and an RGBD camera. A sensor fusion method is proposed to build a dense 3D map of the environment. Multiple images from the scene are geometrically aligned as the UAV explores the environment, and then a frontier exploration technique is used to search for the next target in the mapped area to explore the maximum area possible. The results show that the proposed algorithm can build precise maps even with low-cost sensors, and explore the environment efficiently.

scholarly journals A V-SLAM Guided and Portable System for Photogrammetric Applications

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 2351
Author(s):  
Alessandro Torresani ◽  
Fabio Menna ◽  
Roberto Battisti ◽  
Fabio Remondino
Keyword(s):  
Low Cost ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Motion Blur ◽  
Guidance System ◽  
Prototype System ◽  
Active Sensors ◽  
Localization And Mapping ◽  
Acquisition Speed ◽  
Mobile Mapping System ◽  
Slam Algorithm

Mobile and handheld mapping systems are becoming widely used nowadays as fast and cost-effective data acquisition systems for 3D reconstruction purposes. While most of the research and commercial systems are based on active sensors, solutions employing only cameras and photogrammetry are attracting more and more interest due to their significantly minor costs, size and power consumption. In this work we propose an ARM-based, low-cost and lightweight stereo vision mobile mapping system based on a Visual Simultaneous Localization And Mapping (V-SLAM) algorithm. The prototype system, named GuPho (Guided Photogrammetric System) also integrates an in-house guidance system which enables optimized image acquisitions, robust management of the cameras and feedback on positioning and acquisition speed. The presented results show the effectiveness of the developed prototype in mapping large scenarios, enabling motion blur prevention, robust camera exposure control and achieving accurate 3D results.

scholarly journals TRENDS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF UNMANNED AVIATION COMPLEXES AND THEIR RADIO EQUIPMENT

2021 ◽  
pp. 248-256
Author(s):  
Oleksandr Brytov ◽  
Yurii Chmil ◽  
Volodymyr Dzhus ◽  
Oleksandr Koplik ◽  
Dmitro Kozlov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Military Conflicts ◽  
Radio Equipment ◽  
Promising Application ◽  
Near Future

The issues of modern trends in the development of unmanned aviation complexes are considered. The main ways of their current and promising application are given, the main differences from pilot. The main ways of improving radio equipment of unmanned aviation complexes are considered. It is listed that in the near future, unmanned aerial vehicles will significantly affect the progress of military conflicts.

scholarly journals Eyes in the Sky: Assessing the Feasibility of Low-Cost, Ready-to-Use Unmanned Aerial Vehicles to Monitor Primate Populations Directly

2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-82
Author(s):  
Brandon P. Semel ◽  
Sarah M. Karpanty ◽  
Faramalala Francette Vololonirina ◽  
Ando Nantenaina Rakotonanahary
Keyword(s):  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Aerial Vehicles

scholarly journals Model-Based Autonomous Navigation with Moment of Inertia Estimation for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 2467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hery Mwenegoha ◽  
Terry Moore ◽  
James Pinchin ◽  
Mark Jabbal
Keyword(s):  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Navigation System ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Unscented Kalman Filter ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Moment Of Inertia ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Main Process ◽  
Model Based ◽  
Aerial Vehicles

The dominant navigation system for low-cost, mass-market Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) is based on an Inertial Navigation System (INS) coupled with a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). However, problems tend to arise during periods of GNSS outage where the navigation solution degrades rapidly. Therefore, this paper details a model-based integration approach for fixed wing UAVs, using the Vehicle Dynamics Model (VDM) as the main process model aided by low-cost Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) inertial sensors and GNSS measurements with moment of inertia calibration using an Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF). Results show that the position error does not exceed 14.5 m in all directions after 140 s of GNSS outage. Roll and pitch errors are bounded to 0.06 degrees and the error in yaw grows slowly to 0.65 degrees after 140 s of GNSS outage. The filter is able to estimate model parameters and even the moment of inertia terms even with significant coupling between them. Pitch and yaw moment coefficient terms present significant cross coupling while roll moment terms seem to be decorrelated from all of the other terms, whilst more dynamic manoeuvres could help to improve the overall observability of the parameters.

scholarly journals Accurate Landing of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Using Ground Pattern Recognition

Electronics ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 1532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Wubben ◽  
Francisco Fabra ◽  
Carlos T. Calafate ◽  
Tomasz Krzeszowski ◽  
Johann M. Marquez-Barja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pattern Recognition ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ◽  
High Precision ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Target Position ◽  
Flight Behavior ◽  
Ground Pattern ◽  
Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Exact Position ◽  
Precision Landing

Over the last few years, several researchers have been developing protocols and applications in order to autonomously land unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). However, most of the proposed protocols rely on expensive equipment or do not satisfy the high precision needs of some UAV applications such as package retrieval and delivery or the compact landing of UAV swarms. Therefore, in this work, a solution for high precision landing based on the use of ArUco markers is presented. In the proposed solution, a UAV equipped with a low-cost camera is able to detect ArUco markers sized 56 × 56 cm from an altitude of up to 30 m. Once the marker is detected, the UAV changes its flight behavior in order to land on the exact position where the marker is located. The proposal was evaluated and validated using both the ArduSim simulation platform and real UAV flights. The results show an average offset of only 11 cm from the target position, which vastly improves the landing accuracy compared to the traditional GPS-based landing, which typically deviates from the intended target by 1 to 3 m.

scholarly journals Operational Framework for Rapid, Very-high Resolution Mapping of Glacial Geomorphology Using Low-cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Structure-from-Motion Approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek W. Ewertowski ◽  
Aleksandra M. Tomczyk ◽  
David J. A. Evans ◽  
David H. Roberts ◽  
Wojciech Ewertowski
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Structure From Motion ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Control Point ◽  
Glacial Geomorphology ◽  
High Resolution Mapping ◽  
Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Resolution Mapping ◽  
Very High

This study presents the operational framework for rapid, very-high resolution mapping of glacial geomorphology, with the use of budget Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and a structure-from-motion approach. The proposed workflow comprises seven stages: (1) Preparation and selection of the appropriate platform; (2) transport; (3) preliminary on-site activities (including optional ground-control-point collection); (4) pre-flight setup and checks; (5) conducting the mission; (6) data processing; and (7) mapping and change detection. The application of the proposed framework has been illustrated by a mapping case study on the glacial foreland of Hørbyebreen, Svalbard, Norway. A consumer-grade quadcopter (DJI Phantom) was used to collect the data, while images were processed using the structure-from-motion approach. The resultant orthomosaic (1.9 cm ground sampling distance—GSD) and digital elevation model (7.9 cm GSD) were used to map the glacial-related landforms in detail. It demonstrated the applicability of the proposed framework to map and potentially monitor detailed changes in a rapidly evolving proglacial environment, using a low-cost approach. Its coverage of multiple aspects ensures that the proposed framework is universal and can be applied in a broader range of settings.

scholarly journals Method for Estimating Solar Energy Potential Based on Photogrammetry from Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

Electronics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (12) ◽  
pp. 2144
Author(s):  
Jose Eduardo Fuentes ◽  
Francisco David Moya ◽  
Oscar Danilo Montoya
Keyword(s):  
Solar Energy ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ◽  
3D Model ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Solar Panels ◽  
Energy Potential ◽  
Aerial Vehicles ◽  
3D Data ◽  
Surface Models

This study presents a method to estimate the solar energy potential based on 3D data taken from unmanned aerial devices. The solar energy potential on the roof of a building was estimated before the placement of solar panels using photogrammetric data analyzed in a geographic information system, and the predictions were compared with the data recorded after installation. The areas of the roofs were chosen using digital surface models and the hemispherical viewshed algorithm, considering how the solar radiation on the roof surface would be affected by the orientation of the surface with respect to the sun, the shade of trees, surrounding objects, topography, and the atmospheric conditions. The results show that the efficiency percentages of the panels and the data modeled by the proposed method from surface models are very similar to the theoretical efficiency of the panels. Radiation potential can be estimated from photogrammetric data and a 3D model in great detail and at low cost. This method allows the estimation of solar potential as well as the optimization of the location and orientation of solar panels.

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