One such company is UAV Solutions (website for your enjoyment: http://uav-solutions.com/). They have developed a sensor called Dragon View. Believe me, if you are the regular UAV hobbyist or the creepy neighbor, then this system fits the bill. Do I have personal experience with the sensor? Well no; I'm simply writing about it to highlight some of its pure awesomeness! The Dragon View sensor is a exteroceptive sensor which weighs in at a mere 1.75 lbs or .79kg (for the other 90% of the world using kg). You can mount this sensor virtually anywhere, unmanned vehicles, antenna towers, buildings, cars, basically any structure you can think of. The sensor provides the user both day and thermal imagery. It records video, tracks objects and has a built in geo-location system. Question, what are the two things outside of resolution that most UAV camera systems lack? Answer: Image stabilization, efficient power draw. Does the Dragon View provide the user with those capabilities? You bet your UAV blog reading self it does.
Here is my only negative issue with the Dragon View, the price! The sensor starts at $10,995... That's a step-hill to climb if you are just the average hobbyist. You do get a lot of cool features with this sensor and if you are in the market for one around this price range, then please hurry up and visit UAV-Solutions and be the first in your neighborhood with one ;)
Here are a few more details from UAV-Solutions product page:
Mechanical Stabilization: Integrated inertial measurement unit (IMU) for rate feedback, Direct drive mechanical stabilization, Configurable to your application
On Board Video Processing: Digitally compressed video output – H.264, Ethernet command and control
Onboard video recording to micro SD card, Video Stabilization, In-frame object Tracking
Payload Performance: Stabilization: Mechanical and Digital, Weight: 1.75 lbs.
Interface: Standard Ethernet, Vin: 24V, Power: 8.75 Watts
http://uav-solutions.com/sensor-systems/-GCBUTTER
Garrick,
ReplyDeleteGreat post, the perspective you used really kept me entertained while focusing on the Dragon View sensor. UAV Solutions goal with the Dragon View was to have this be the only sensor you needed for your unmanned system. The features and ability of the Dragon View are awesome, as you said. But the price is awe-inspiring, meaning I am inspired to look for a more humble sensor for my hobby and "creeping". Thank you.
I think this is an excellent find. Organizations looking for infrared capability to operate below 500 feet, will likely be able to afford these components. Maybe this has potential application with search and rescue organizations, law enforcement, forest rangers, etc. Although, the cost is likely prohibitive for individual enthusiasts, I think it is significant that thermal sensors are easily available for commercial purchase.
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