Sensors- DJI Guidance System

Two years ago DJI introduced the Guidance System, a sensor-based navigation aid implemented as a sense and avoid hardware system. The sensor is more accurately a system of sensors that can be installed on UAS or other platforms which the user may be utilizing. The system is a combination of a uses chosen sensor (typically a camera) and ultrasonic sensors which are used to gather real-time data and information regarding the platforms surroundings and sends feedback such as data on velocity, position and clearance from obstacles. The Guidance system supports use in environments where GPS functionality is not an option.

The Guidance system has 5 sensors to survey its environment. It has 4 sensors to scan and sense around it laterally and 1 sensor for below. Users can use the camera to an use customized visual sensing and programming to adjust the camera uses to fit the mission. Such as a city using the system on a UAS platform to search for illegally parked cars using the camera to scan license plates and the type of car via visual recognition.

Customers and users from any industry can use their own programs and algorithms in a customizable format that is friendly with several operating system platforms including Windows and Linux. The Guidance system is always aware of its surroundings and uses its data gathering to adjust its flight path if necessary in a given environment and lets users dictate what other data should be gathered via the camera or other sensor which is chosen. The system also provides hardware to facilitate incorporating other additional intelligent sensors to provide a broader spectrum of safety and or capability per the mission.

The DJI Guidance system helps protect the platform in a high level of complex environments and ensures the safety of the platforms and the environment. The system allows for data gathering and customizable capabilities. The most useful feature of the system other then its ability for customization is that it lends itself for use to those who may not be pilots or with any experience. The system ensures safety for any situation the platform may be used for in many applications. My susgestion would be to add or provide the ability for a sixth sensor to completely encapsulate the platform as some application may require a 360-degree awareness, vertically and horizontally. For instance going through a tunnel or tight space, or where there may be the hazard of falling objects. A drawback I see possible is that with the customization you may have organizations that do not have the technological expertise to fully maximize the capability of the system. However, It does appear that DJI helps facilitate use and works well with customers, so this may be a non-issue.

https://www.dji.com/guidance

http://download.dji-innovations.com/downloads/dev/Guidance/en/Guidance_User_Manual_en_V1.6.pdf

Unique Unmanned System- C-Enduro

Unmanned systems are available in many different designs. They have the option to be equipped with numerous and varying sensors, types of propulsion and control systems.

The C-Enduro by ASV Unmanned Marine Systems is a long endurance maritime unmanned surface vehicle. When long term data acquisition is a necessary function the C-Enduro is a practical platform as it can be deployed for 30-90 days at sea, depending on its configuration. A platform that can operate for up to 3 months at a time is not entirely unique, however it is a strong asset. This combined with its mobility, ruggedness, and ability to tailor its power system to climatic conditions creates a very capable platform. The C-Enduro can use diesel or methanol, but also has energy harvesting technology utilizing wind turbines and solar panels, which aids in its deployability. With two brushless DC motors the unmanned vessel can travel at 6.5 knots.  The carbon fiber hull provides a strong and efficient design that is also self-righting, ideal for an ocean-going vessel.  At approximately 14 feet in length, 8 feet wide, 9 feet tall (including antennae), a draft of less the 1 and a half feet and a weight of 771lbs the platform classifies as a lightship. The size and weight allow a single person the capability of launching from a pier or boat launch via truck and trailer. By radio/satellite the operator can control the vessel semi-autonomously or configure for full autonomy. A wide range of sensors can be fitted to the unmanned vehicle including cameras, wave measurement, sonar, and even electronic warfare. A winch gives the ability to lower sensors or devices to greater depths for a broader range of capabilities. This allows the C-Enduro to fulfill multiple roles from environmental monitoring and oceanographic data collecting to security. Overall, I would rate the design and effectiveness of the C-Enduro highly. It fits the roles and capabilities for an unmanned vehicle concept I had previously thought should be employed. I think a small variation that could be implemented to increase the spectrum and range of capability is to incorporate search and rescue functions. This might not mean that any further sensors are required, perhaps thermal imaging could be useful, but lifesaving equipment such as flotation devices, a small inflatable raft, and possibly neoprene items. 

Response to DJI White Papers

In July and September of this year, DJI released White Papers covering the UAS/UAV industry. In July the paper was “A Call for a Balanced Remote Identification Approach” and discussed non-networked localized ID’s, available technologies and privacy. The September paper was, “Unmanned Traffic Self-Management: How Smart Drones Will Find Their Own Way In the Airspace” and covered the systems being developed, the technologies involved, privacy, and a call for research and collaboration.

These papers are important and I like to see companies taking initiatives like this. Companies spearheading advancements in technologies is essential, but it is also important to organize all the data and get a sense of direction collaboratively across the industry so that efforts can be unified and benefits to the consumer and developers maximized.

In their July paper, DJI called for a balanced approach to solving safety, security, and accountability concerns. This while taking into account operator privacy and safety in an effort to create an identification method to give localized identification without permanently recording or logging operator information. This is a reasonable and logical approach to the safety of the public with UAS/UAV activity is absolutely necessary as well as the security of the operators' security of their personally identifiable information is equally important as the risk of digitally shared information risks are high in this day of technology. The paper states that deploying technology that already exists will the primary method that should be leveraged to create this system. Again, I agree as this removes additional costs to the consumer and developers with technology that is already proven capable.

DJI’s September paper covers the traffic management system and goes into On-Board Anti-collision Technology (OATs) at length. OATs includes two primary technologies: vehicle to vehicle communicated by direct radio protocols, and environmental sensors such as sense and avoid and LIDAR. These technologies are being developed by several major companies with billions of dollars devoted and invested. The level of safety already developed is competent and the rate at which the technology is improving will surely allow the deployment of these systems into the airspace via UAS/UAV relatively soon seeing the push forward in the industry.

This again is a reason the release of the DJI white papers has been commendable as they are attempting to get the industry on the same page as well as letting the public be aware of the state of affairs as of today and possibly where things are going.