02 May 16
3:30 PM
-
4:00 PM
Tracks:
Academic, Air, Research and Development
This presentation will begin with a highly interesting video from a recent UVU graduate, Robert Hannaford, who’s using UAVs to prevent rhino poaching in South Africa. Because poachers target rhinos at night, under the cover of darkness, selecting the correct type of sensor for his UAV fleet was of the utmost importance. John and Fred will show the short video, as an introduction to their presentation, to highlight the importance of selecting the most appropriate sensor for one’s UAV needs. From there, the presentation will pivot to a discussion around the four unique classifications of sensors: 1) Electro Optical (EO) Sensor, 2) Infrared (IR)/ Thermal Sensor, 3) Radar Sensor, and 4) Multi Spectral Sensor. An electro-optical sensor converts light, or a change in light, into an electronic signal; an infrared/ thermal sensor detects heat, specifically, differences in heat; a radar sensor uses use Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) to detect stationary and continuous objects; and, finally, a Multi Spectral Sensor is able to detect specific periodic table elements that it’s preprogrammed to find. Each type of sensor is used to carry out a very distinct category of mission. Once we complete our discussion of the types of sensors, we will then transition to how each can be used. While some, like the Electro Optical Sensor, which is found in the standard camera, have obvious and intuitive use cases, others, like the Multi Spectral Sensor, are being used in ways that are revolutionizing entire industries. To provide an example, unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with Hyper Spectral Sensors are being used in the mining industry to detect certain elements. By preprogramming a sensor with a specific element (e.g. iron), a UAV can fly over a vast area, scanning for iron infused land. This section of the presentation will provide the audience with a wide array of use case examples for each type of sensor. As indicated by a September 2015 AUVSI report, UAVs are used by roughly 25 unique industries and each industry is using sensors in its own, distinct way. Not all unmanned aerial vehicles are equipped with sensors, though. Those that are not have what’s called a payload, or the drone’s cargo space. Depending on what’s transported by the UAV, the payload will need to support a certain weight threshold. John and Fred will discuss how certain missions don’t require sensors at all but rather the ability to carry and transport large amounts of weight. For the more experienced operators in attendance, this presentation will also dive into the granular details of the sensor subject area, such as specific makes and models of sensors, sensor characteristics, sensor resolution, image processing, image perception, automatic target recognition (ATR), and change detection. After an in-depth review of sensors/ payloads, John and Fred will review the three other primary components of an unmanned aerial system: the UAV, itself, the Ground Control Station, such as the UAV’s remote control, a smartphone, tablet, or computer, and Data Links, which are used to feed information from the sensor/ UAV to the Ground Control Station for analysis. This UAS overview will demonstrate how all four components, when successfully/ appropriately understood and integrated, have the potential to revolutionize virtually every industry. The 45-minute presentation will end with a 15-minute Question & Answer session.