TALON SYSTEMS
UAV Design Team
VISION SYSTEMS
The embedded vision system is the tool or "talon" about which the Talon Vulture UAS platform is built around. The Raccoon Intelligent Vision System is responsible for acquiring and marking ground targets as specified by the UAS operator. Because of the competitive nature of the Raccoon development project and its early stage of progress, much of the sensor choices and design software particulars have been withheld till a later stage of development.
HD Camera Sensor and Motorized Optical Zoom Lens
e-con Systems
The Caspa vision sensor is one of the optical systems that have been selected by Talon systems due to its ability to register multiple spectra including IR. It is also competitively priced and can easily be integrated along with Gumstix computer-on-module boards to form a sophisticated vision system and target acquisition platform. This will be the lower definition of two camera sensors to be used.
Pan Tilt Sensor Cradle
A Testament of Rapid Prototyping Technology
The Talon team intends to reverse engineer and modify an existing stabilized cradle platform similar to that developed for the MAVERICK UAV by microuav.com. The turret and cradle structures are to be developed using rapid prototyping technology and lightweight materials. The mechanical assembly will be scaled to accommodate our larger high-definition capture device and adjustable lens.
Vision Systems Image Processing
A Combined Software & Hardware Solution
Working with OpenCV's open source image processing libraries, a robust software solution to target detection using a variety of image processing techniques is in its early stages of development. The software is a descendant of the Blackbird UAV project's BTAS target aquisition system that was developed with MATLAB by one of our members. The aim of the project is to support onboard processing and enhance frame aquisition system efficiency. This is to be achieved by integrating the on board video capture devices with an Overa FireSTORM gumstix on-board processor loaded with the developed software.
Video and Image Transmission
Real Time Video Feed Solution
A pair of on-board video transmitters will be responsible for providing operators with a nose camera feed for flight purposes and target acquisition sensor video. High definition images can be taken as commanded by the GCS and sent to the ground via WiFi or Bluetooth transmissions for further analysis. A live feed showing output from the real-time image processor will also be available
