collision avoidance

[dalbert02]

In case you guys missed this. I think this is rather exciting!

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=725841

-dave

[clolson]

The BYU folks seem to be really sharp and have been flying uav's and doing cool stuff since before anyone around my university even started the process of putting together a UAV. My understanding of their obstacle avoidance work is that it is based on "optical flow" sensors (Think hacked up optical mouse with a longer focus lense.) So it's helpful in avoiding large things like canyon walls or buildings or a row of trees. The optical flow sensor can also be used as a proximity sensor for a landing approach ... more optical flow (calibrated against known ground speed) == lower altitude. Fascinating stuff ... my new optical mouse is looking at me nervously right now. :)

[vector_vortex]

No need for nervous mice,
Just ask avago for some samples.
www.avagotech.com
some are even in a hobbyist friendly offset DIP package
still looking for a source for the lenses though.

Joel