Mar 21 2011 12:31 PM

Peters Engineering Solutions

DragonFly DF2 The UAVision system

 Two Part System

The UAVision system is composed of two parts: one is embedded in the UAV itself and the other is a separate unit on the ground.
 

The embedded part consists of:

  • Unidirectional high bandwidth video transmission stream (downstream)
  • UAV control system (GPS data, control of motors etc.) in full duplex
     

The part on the ground consists of:

  • High bandwidth video reception
  • Controls of the UAV (direction, configuration of video, control of cameras)

The main features of the system are:

  • Improved video-data transmission (variable bandwidths)
  • Low or ultra-low delay video encoding (depending on transmission bit rate)
  • Remote control system can manage the sensor data link as well as camera and payload controls; these commands go through the user data channel of the autopilot data link
  • Imagery stream transmission is adaptive during the flight mission
     

Multiple data streams

The system is dealing with video and image streams of different nature. We can divide those streams as follows:

  • One video stream is dedicated to the pilot with an ultra short delay (real-time)
  • Various imagery streams for analysis, image integration and mapping


The first stream has a real-time constraint of max. 40 ms end-to-end delay to increase the maneuverability of the UAV. To achieve this goal, a very fast encoder and decoder produced by bSoft are used. Virtual piloting applications have a constant transmission time delay range of ± 5 ms between the pilot’s camera and the reception module output. The other streams do not need real-time transmission. The GPS time of the trigger event is incorporated in the image. This is important for the geo-registration process in the imagery data processing chain.


To transmit the streams, a multiplexer merges them into a unique stream according to strategies defined for the specific mission.
 

Hardware


The system is a stack of several boards which includes Inside the UAV

MPEG4 encoder boards (maximum of 2) for PAL low delay transmissions
Multiplex Board, manages different video streams with desired configuration
Modulator Board controls the data transmission
On the ground

MPEG4 decoder boards; stream is sent to screen for piloting the UAV
Demultiplex Board streams are sent to computer for processing
Demodulator Board (data reception)
 
Specifications


System’s specifications without cameras:
220 × 110 × 70 mm
Weight: 0.7 kg
Power consumption: 10 A, 12 V

 

Mobile Cockpit

 

  • Real sensation command
  • Complete mobile steering unit
  • One man operation concept
  • Electronic board for controlling/security
  • 3 Axes (Roll, Nick, Yaw)
  • Ergonomic control stick
  • High durability
  • Many trims and set up buttons
  • Up to 6 optional micro switches (Beginning and ending Position, etc.)
  • Synchronized camera to head movement
     

UAVision Software Suite

The UAVision Software Suite consists of five components, which allow to plan and execute simple as well as complex missions in an easy way. During and after the mission the Software makes it easy to capture and analyze the mission data.

Each component can be purchased separately, thus our clients define what functionality they need.


1. Mission Planning & Simulation
 

It doesn’t matter if you want to get your UAV airborne as fast as possible or if you want to plan a more complex mission – with the Mission Planning & Simulation tool you can plan tasks in a secure and precise manner for both types of missions. The virtual globe Technology
i3D enables you to see and control the operational area and the flight path in a three dimensional overview at any time.


Integrate Terrain and Image data and even your own 3D-objects to create a realistic virtual representation of your operational area. This allows easy recognition
and avoiding of aviation obstacles as well as testflying your mission
in real-time.


2. Mission Control


With the Mission Control module you can carry out previously planned missions automatically while being able to take over full control of your UAV at any time. While you are monitoring your mission in progress in the 3D view you are getting updated on critical parameters
of your UA-System simultaneously. If necessary you can intervene in the course of your mission at any time.


3. Augmented & Virtual Monitoring

With this component of the UAVision Software Suite a live video stream from your UAV can be projected on the terrain of the virtual globe. If you see abnormalities in the video you can remark them on the virtual globe instantly. This gives you an immediate geographic reference
to the event in the video. With this information it is easier for you to make decisions during a mission or to recover and analyze the marked events afterwards.
 

4. Rapid Mapping


Outdated data belongs to the past! With the rapid mapping module you are able to integrate imagery data, which was captured just minutes ago, directly into the virtual globe. This always ensures to have the most up-to-date data to correctly judge and analyze the current
situation and to draw the right conclusions.
 

5. Overlay Generator


Together with the Peyelot System of SwissCopter you can navigate your UAV securely under poor visibility conditions or out of sight situations. Peyelot creates the feeling as if you were in the cockpit of your UAV. This is achieved by a swivelmounted camera in the cockpit whichis synchronized with your head movements. Furthermore, you have the possibility to superimpose additional information such as an artificial horizon, status information or aviation obstacles directly on the display of the Peyelot. An additional feature is the so called virtual piloting. If visibility conditions are poor, switch to the virtual view and fly your UAV in the virtual globe!