Aerial Obstacle Detection Systems?

[qb7]

Anyone here happen to have experience working with Infrared Proximity Detector or Range Finder systems used to avoid aerial obstacles?

Basically what I am trying to accomplish is to avoid colliding with an object while performing close proximity aerial photograhy. Probably hovering within 3 to 4 feet of the heli main rotors. Cutting it close, but I guess it will depend on how quick the sensor can relay the information. Maybe a loud enough tone on the system programmed to annuciate at a particular distance.

There are several sources for sensors out there such as the MaxBotix LV-MaxSonar (http://www.maxbotix.com/), proximity sensors at Lynxmotion (http://www.lynxmotion.com/Category.aspx?CategoryID=8) and this kit Ultrasonic Radar Module (http://store.qkits.com/moreinfo.cfm/VM125). However, I was hoping someone might have source for a "plug & play" system or know someone I can contact who has delved into this subject.

I really don't know squat about this sort of thing, so trying to research feasibility.

Lachlan

[daddiozz]

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[SST32]

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[daddiozz]

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[SST32]

edited.

[daddiozz]

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[qb7]

sssshhhhhhh, don't tell anyone about "autopilot", super secret stuff............

I have invented something called the "la-zor", neat technology, care to invest?

I am a little familiar with the autopilots out on the market, but a looking for a single use, not mulitple use application; strictly for obstacle avoidance. My best bet will probably be to contact the previous mentioned suppliers and see what kind of microcontoller setup I would require. I think eventually I will find some sort of do-it-yourself kit that meets my need.

[SST32]

I am a little familiar with the autopilots out on the market, but a looking for a single use, not mulitple use application; strictly for obstacle avoidance. My best bet will probably be to contact the previous mentioned suppliers and see what kind of microcontoller setup I would require. I think eventually I will find some sort of do-it-yourself kit that meets my need.


What types of obstacles are you needing to avoid?

[SST32]

look i stumbled into this thread thinking it was something else and made an inappropriate comment ....i'm sorry ,what more can i say?i"ve removed that comment ,why dont you do the same and let this guy find out what he needs?


Agreed :)

[daddiozz]

Agreed :)
:o :eek: :)

[qb7]

Hi guys....no problem on the comments; all in fun. :) I was actually trying to think of a humous come back, but not quick enough!

EDIT - Forgot to add in the reply. I am actually looking at avoiding objects such as the sides of buildings, towers, etc. Most which can be up quite high where visual perspective is not strong. Pretty much for documentation during as-built construction and maintenance inspections. Probably will not have the need very often, but prefer not to take the chance photographing close proximity at high elevation locations. I do not want to depend on "camera preview" to estimate distance and would like to factor in as many fail-safe as necessary. I currently fly a Logo 10 with AskmanAP 360-mount, A640 cam and BLIP trigger system.

[daddiozz]

Hi guys....no problem on the comments; all in fun. :) I was actually trying to think of a humorous come back, but not quick enough!

EDIT - Forgot to add in the reply. I am actually looking at avoiding objects such as the sides of buildings, towers, etc. Most which can be up quite high where visual perspective is not strong. Pretty much for documentation during as-built construction and maintenance inspections. Probably will not have the need very often, but prefer not to take the chance photographing close proximity at high elevation locations. I do not want to depend on "camera preview" to estimate distance and would like to factor in as many fail-safe as necessary. I currently fly a Logo 10 with AskmanAP 360-mount, A640 cam and BLIP trigger system.
...way outa my league for sure ,if it isnt a brushless slow stick w a nikon 3700 or a draganflyer with a BW 200mw;its all greek to me :D

[qb7]

Thread moved to Aerial Photography section: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=685141

[funkysnail2k]

hi
i might be able to help i'm a ai/cyb student and I am looking for something similar but for an auto pilot system.

what you need is a programmable logic controller. it sounds more complicated than it actually is but there are several plc's out there that can control servos that are very very easy to program you just need one with logic inputs and i lost the one i found the otherday but am still looking!


a pseudo code example of the program you need (sorry if you know this already)

find what distance you want the sensor to start 'warning' you that your too close, put something at that distance away from the sensor and note what the logic output is.

you set your plc to take inputs from your sensor (what ever it is) and check it.


have an if statement something like if X > than desired_distance
then
move 'servo' by Y

have that servo output mixed into the control serface you need to affect to avoid a collision

its not complete but this is past one o'clock as i write this but with a few minor mods to the code you can use it to fly up to walls and stick at a certain distance from them.

OR you could use neural networks to help with your control but thats slightly more complicated!

[hg1]

Ultrasonic is a good sensor for this application - IR sometimes won't see dark or non-reflective objects. The Maxbotic sensor looks good. I've used Devantech ultrasonic sensors with reasonable success ( you can find these at www.acroname.com)

Question - what action do you want to have triggered if the proximity falls below the trigger threshold ? Do you just want to operator to somehow get notified ? Perhaps a flashing LED in the camera's field of view ?

Something like this might work for you -
http://www.hobbyengineering.com/H1246.html
It seems to have an adjustable threshold and it triggers an LED as well as a signal output that could drive another signaling device. Looks like a good match with your requirement.


Forgot to add in the reply. I am actually looking at avoiding objects such as the sides of buildings, towers, etc. Most which can be up quite high where visual perspective is not strong. Pretty much for documentation during as-built construction and maintenance inspections. Probably will not have the need very often, but prefer not to take the chance photographing close proximity at high elevation locations. I do not want to depend on "camera preview" to estimate distance and would like to factor in as many fail-safe as necessary. I currently fly a Logo 10 with AskmanAP 360-mount, A640 cam and BLIP trigger system.

[qb7]

Hi guys,

We are actually having a good discussion at the link I moved the talk to: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=685141. Good progress being made with a couple of very switched on guys.

[kd7ost]

Hi guys,

We are actually having a good discussion at the link I moved the talk to: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=685141. Good progress being made with a couple of very switched on guys.

phoglite is the mover and shaker on this one. He's coming up with some real fine and innovative work. Check out what he's done in post 125. I've stepped back to a lurking role. :D

Dan