Bioinspired optical sensors for unmanned aerial systems
Date
2011
Authors
Chahl, J.
Rosser, K.
Mizutani, A.
Editors
Martin-Palma, R.J.
Lakhtakia, A.
Lakhtakia, A.
Advisors
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Conference paper
Citation
Proceedings of SPIE, 2011 / Martin-Palma, R.J., Lakhtakia, A. (ed./s), vol.7595, iss.797503, pp.1-11
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Bioinspiration, Biomimetics, and Bioreplication (7 Mar 2011 - 9 Mar 2011 : San Diego, US)
Abstract
Insects are dependant on the spatial, spectral and temporal distributions of light in the environment for flight control and navigation. This paper reports on flight trials of implementations of insect inspired behaviors on unmanned aerial vehicles. Optical flow methods for maintaining a constant height above ground and a constant course have been demonstrated to provide navigation capabilities that are impossible using conventional avionics sensors. Precision control of height above ground and ground course were achieved over long distances. Other vision based techniques demonstrated include a biomimetic stabilization sensor that uses the ultraviolet and green bands of the spectrum, and a sky polarization compass. Both of these sensors were tested over long trajectories in different directions, in each case showing performance similar to low cost inertial heading and attitude systems. The behaviors demonstrate some of the core functionality found in the lower levels of the sensorimotor system of flying insects and shows promise for more integrated solutions in the future.
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Copyright 2011 SPIE