Military Space News
UAV NEWS
New method for dynamic drone tracking in GPS-denied environments
Reference coordinate frames of the UAV system.
New method for dynamic drone tracking in GPS-denied environments
by Staff Writers
Fuzhou, China (SPX) Aug 21, 2023

A study published in Engineering introduces a novel image-based visual servoing (IBVS) method for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to track dynamic targets in GPS-denied environments. Titled "Dynamic Target Tracking of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Under Unpredictable Disturbances," the research article presents a comprehensive approach that addresses the challenges of estimating target velocities, image depth estimation, and tracking stability in the presence of external disturbances.

The proposed method utilizes a constructed virtual camera to derive simplified and decoupled image dynamics for underactuated UAVs. By considering the uncertainties caused by unpredictable rotations and velocities of dynamic targets, the researchers have developed a unique image depth model that extends the IBVS method to track rotating targets with arbitrary orientations. This model ensures accurate image feature tracking and smooth trajectory of the rotating target.

To estimate the relative velocities between the UAV and the dynamic target, a velocity observer has been designed. This observer eliminates the need for translational velocity measurements and mitigates control chatter caused by noise-containing measurements. Additionally, an integral-based filter has been introduced to compensate for unpredictable environmental disturbances, thereby enhancing the anti-disturbance ability of the UAV.

The stability of the velocity observer and IBVS controller has been rigorously analyzed using the Lyapunov method. Comparative simulations and multistage experiments have been conducted to illustrate the tracking stability, anti-disturbance ability, and tracking robustness of the proposed method with a dynamic rotating target.

Key contributions of this study include:

1. Novel image depth model: The researchers have proposed a unique image depth model that accurately estimates image depth without requiring rotation information of the tracked target. This model enables the application of the proposed IBVS controller to track dynamic rotating targets with arbitrary orientations.

2. Velocity observer: A dedicated velocity observer has been designed for the estimation of relative velocities between the UAV and the dynamic target. This allows the proposed method to be utilized in GPS-denied environments, while mitigating control chatter caused by noise-containing velocity measurements.

3. Integral-based filter: An integral-based filter has been developed to estimate and compensate for unpredictable disturbances, including the acceleration of the dynamic target and environmental disturbances. This enhances the UAV's ability to handle unknown movements of the dynamic target and external disturbances.

In conclusion, this study presents a dynamic IBVS method that significantly improves the tracking performance of UAVs in the presence of unpredictable disturbances. By utilizing a velocity observer, a novel image depth model, and an integral-based filter, the proposed method demonstrates enhanced tracking stability, anti-disturbance ability, and robustness. The stability of the method has been thoroughly analyzed using Lyapunov theory, and simulations and experiments have been conducted to verify its effectiveness.

The paper "Dynamic Target Tracking of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Under Unpredictable Disturbances", authored by Yanjie Chen, Yangning Wu, Limin Lan, Hang Zhong, Zhiqiang Miao, Hui Zhang, Yaonan Wang.

Research Report:Dynamic Target Tracking of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Under Unpredictable Disturbances

Related Links
School of Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Fuzhou University
UAV News - Suppliers and Technology

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters
Tweet

RELATED CONTENT
The following news reports may link to other Space Media Network websites.
UAV NEWS
Scientists tame dreaded aviation phenomenon
Cochstedt, Germany (SPX) Aug 21, 2023
A team of researchers in Europe has succeeded in overcoming an important challenge in aeroelasticity - the suppression of the phenomenon of flutter in an aircraft structure by means of an active control system. This feat was demonstrated in a flight campaign using a specially constructed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). A team consisting of the German Aerospace Center, the Institute for Computer Science and Control (SZTAKI) from Hungary, the French Aerospace Lab (ONERA) and the Technical University ... read more

UAV NEWS
Ukraine receives new air defence systems from Berlin

Northrop Grumman begins producing NGI solid rocket motor booster cases

Lockheed Martin's NGI program completes all subsystem PDRs

Berlin offers to extend Patriot missile deployment in Poland

UAV NEWS
U.S. approves $3B deal for Israel to sell Arrow-3 missile interceptors to Germany

Ukraine missiles shot down over Crimea bridge: pro-Russia official

Pentagon eyes missile testing role for Australia

Ukraine says five wounded in Russian missile strike in Dnipro

UAV NEWS
NASA Armstrong supports wind study

New method for dynamic drone tracking in GPS-denied environments

Scientists tame dreaded aviation phenomenon

Russia says thwarted Ukraine drone attack on Black Sea warships

UAV NEWS
RTX to develop platform agnostic, beyond-line-of-sight, satcoms

Lockheed Martin completes CDR for Tranche 1 Transport Layer Satellites

Northrop Grumman achieves key milestone in Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission

Hisdesat announces the launch of first SpainSat NG satellite for summer of 2024

UAV NEWS
A revolution in stand-off jamming

RTX boosts battlefield communication during Northern Edge 2023

L3Harris, Team Lynx contracted for next phase of US Army's Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle

US and Australia use war games to focus on long-range firepower

UAV NEWS
US sanctions entities tied to Russia, N. Korea arms deals

BAE agrees to buy Ball Aerospace for $5.55 billion

Biden asks Congress for $13 bn in new Ukraine military spending

Iraq asks US, UK to extradite suspects in massive graft scandal

UAV NEWS
Join the club: BRICS faces rift over push for new members

Leaders of China, Russia, India gather for BRICS summit sans Putin

Only Ukraine can decide peace terms with Russia: NATO boss

Philippines appoints outspoken diplomat as 'special envoy' to China

UAV NEWS
World Nano Foundation highlights nanotech's role in space materials science

Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters




The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us.