Wednesday, December 7, 2016

UAS Sensor Placement



The DJI Phantom 4 Pro is a small aerial imaging unmanned aerial system (UAS). The Phantom 4 Pro features a one-inch sensor with an F2.8 aperture, capable of 4K, 60 frames per second video recording as well as 14 frames per second burst mode, 20 megapixel photography. Its mechanical shutter eliminates the rolling shutter bending typically seen when taking photographs at high speeds. The system is accompanied by a Ground Control Station (GCS) controller with its bright, 1080p, 5.5 Inch monitor. During video recording, Phantom 4 Pro offers active tracking with three intelligent flight modes; profile, which tracks the target horizontally from any perspective; spotlight, locks the camera on a specific subject and follows it from any angle; and circle, which records video 360 degrees around a subject (DJI, 2016; Perlman, 2016).


Another interesting feature of the Phantom 4 Pro is Tap fly and, the newly added, reverse tap fly. Tap fly allows the operator to tap a point on the map screen and the UAS will fly to that point, reverse tap fly, on the other hand, allows the operator to keep the camera focus on a subject while it flies to a specific point. The Phantom 4 has been equipped with obstacle avoidance capability; Forward, rear, downward, and infrared side sensors provide five direction obstacle sensing. In the event of a lost link condition, the Phantom 4 Pro is able to return home avoiding any obstacles and it even flies the same route home while trying to regain link. Flight endurance on the Phantom 4 Pro has been extended to 30 minutes. The phantom 4 Pro is made of titanium alloy and magnesium alloy which decreases weight and increases durability (DJI, 2016; Pearlman, 2016).


Finally, the GCS controller of the Phantom 4 Pro integrates a two frequency transmission support at 2.4 GHz a d 5.8 GHz which reduces the probability of interference. When the systems is switched on the system automatically analyzes both frequencies and selects the one with the least amount of interference to ensure smooth signal and video transmission. With an ascent speed of 6 meters per second and a descent speed of 4 meters per second, the Phantom 4 Pro can reach speeds of up to 45 mph. Additionally, the system has a maximum service ceiling of 6,000 meters and utilizes GPS and GLONASS for positioning (DJI, 2016).


Race drones are a lot smaller and lighter and are designed to reach speeds of over 100 mph. These systems are typically custom made and specifically designed for speed, agility, and endurance (Bloomberg, 2016). One of the fastest race drones in the market is the Arris FPV 250. The Arris FPV 250 is a small sport UAS made up of composite carbon/glass fiber. The Arris carries a 700TVL sensor that provides excellent quality video and has no video latency making it ideal for racing. The total weight of the system, with the battery, is 554 grams and it has total flight endurance of 10 minutes. One of the most interesting features of race drones includeing the Arris is that these systems are fully customizable. Beginners; however, are recommended to use the system as it comes before deciding to customize (Berstein, 2016; ArrisHobby, n.d.).

The Arris FPV 250 is designed as a first person view (FPV), meaning that the operator will see exactly from the system’s perspective. These systems are most commonly compatible with FPV goggles for a more exhilarating experience. Racing drones’ sensors are fixed in the front of the UAS which makes them ideal for racing. Imaging unmanned aerial systems, on the other hand, are designed to record video and take photos. The Phantom 4 Pro’s sensor has a horizontal field of view of 70 degrees and a vertical field of view of +/- 54 degrees and it is specifically designed to record high quality imaging. In the case of the Phantom 4 Pro, sensors are distributed throughout the system to provide more effective obstacle avoidance.


References

ArrisHobby FPV racing drones store. (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://www.arrishobby.com/arris-fpv250-mini-racing-sport-quadcopter-bnf-assembled-p-2616

Bersnstein, B. (2016, March 18). Drone racing: 5 fastest drones to buy. Retrieved from
http://heavy.com/tech/2016/03/best-drone-racing-fastest-racing-drones-to-buy-fpv-racer-quadco pter/

Bloomberg. (2016, 23 March). Go inside the world’s first $1 million drone race. [video file] retrieved fromhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ0viMxYDA4

DJI. (2016, November 15). DJI: Introducing Phantom 4 Pro. [video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVNO-fib6fg

Perlman, A. (2016, June 24). The top professional drones for serious commercial UAV pilots. Retrieved from http://uavcoach.com/professional-drones/

No comments:

Post a Comment