USAF Academy- Football Game

On my last night in Colorado Springs I had the opportunity to attend a USAF Academy football game as a VIP. For details and pictures, see my latest entry over at my travel blog: Engineering a Travel Plan....

Tour of the USAF Academy

This week I participated in an Industry Advisory Board (IAB) meeting, where I briefed aviation/aerospace industry representatives, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU)-Worldwide faculty, and University leadership on the status of the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) curriculum I have been working on for the last couple months. One of the major highlights of this trip was a guided tour of the august military education institution, the U.S. Air Force Academy.



USAF Academy Chapel

MQ-1B Predator UAV on Display in Cadet Dining Hall

Closeup of MQ-1B Predator

USAF Academy Chapel at Night with the Rockies in the Background

USAF Falcons Ice Hockey Rink (notice all of the CNY teams represented here)

 

Could "spooky actions at a distance" Hold the Key For Latency Free Communication?

Albert Einstein could not support belief in quantum mechanics because "physics should represent a reality in time and space, free from spooky actions at a distance" (as cited in Greene, 2011, sidebar caption).  The phrase "spooky actions at a distance" has become synonymous with quantum entanglement (Greene, 2011; Moskowitz, 2011), which occurs when two particles are linked despite distance of seperation (Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, 2012). Researchers have made significant advances in creating controlled quantum entanglement in the hopes of establishing advanced communication systems (Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics, 2012). 

Recently efforts have been made to develop entanglement free quantum communication to obtain faster speeds with diminished distances (Chirgwin, 2012; Zyga, 2012).  These advances hold significant potential for the development of advances communications systems. Quantum communication technology is currently being explored for use in generating encryption keys for U.S. Naval submarine communications (Dillow, 2011).

A key virtue of entangled quantum communication is the capability to retain security, as there would only be communication between the two linked nodes.  As this technology matures, the applicability to unmanned aviation will be significant. The control and telemetry links between ground stations would no longer be subject to latency, loss of signal (LOS) due to attentuation or barrier, and external hacking of signal. 

June 2014 Update: It appears this concept and the associated supporting technology has been refined sufficiently by researchers at the TU Delft's Kavli Institute of Nanoscience, who successfully transmitted a single bit across a three meter space in a lab environment (Jeffrey, 2014). If the process is repeatable, scalable, and stable and the footprint of the equipment can be reduced to support portability, the implications of this research to support latency free communications could be revolutionary.

REFERENCES

Chirgwin, R. (2012). Scientists ‘untangle’ quantum communications: Faster without entanglement. The Register. Retrieved from http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/11/05/untangled_quantum_communications/

Dillow, C. (2011). Quantum scheme could allow submarines to communicate securely. Popsci.com. Retrieved from http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2011-10/quantum-communication-scheme-could-allow-submerged-subs-communicate-securely

Jeffrey, C. (2014, June 3). Scientists teleport quantum information across the room. Gizmag. Retrieved from http://www.gizmag.com/teleport-quantum-information/32352/

Greene, B. (2011). Spooky action at a distance. NOVA. Retrieved from http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/physics/spooky-action-distance.html

Max Planck Institute of Quantum Optics. (2012). Breakthrough in quantum communication. AlphaGalileo Foundation website. Retrieved from http://www.alphagalileo.org/ViewItem.aspx?ItemId=119127&CultureCode=en

Moskowitz, C. (2011). Two diamonds linked by strange quantum entanglement. LiveScience website. Retrieved from http://www.livescience.com/17264-quantum-entanglement-macroscopic-diamonds.html

Zyga, L. (2012). Quantum communication without entanglement could perform faster than previously thought possible. Phys.org. Retrieved from http://phys.org/news/2012-10-quantum-entanglement-faster-previously-thought.html

Proposal to Identify Design and Implementation Criteria for Low Cost Two-Person Supervisory Small Unmanned Aerial System Control

Download in PDF format...

14 Nov Update: I just received word that I have been awarded internal funding from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to pursue this research project. Check back for details as the research is developed and I post the status.

Description
First person view (FPV) equipped model aircraft are a form of small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS), developed and flown by private operators for recreational hobby purposes (Federal Aviation Administration, 2010; Kumar, Ramesh, & Srinivasa, 2011; Schneider, 2010).  FPV operation involves affixing a wireless camera to a remote control (R/C) aircraft and flying the vehicle using the live transmitted video feed as an egocentric view from the aircraft (Finch, 2012; Reyes, 2012; Schneider, 2010).  The legislated rules and recommended regulations set for the operation of FPV aircraft are also inclusive of sUAS developed and flown for research (e.g., academia, Government, and industry) and Government approved missions (e.g., law enforcement, search and rescue, geological surveying, etc.) with a certificate of waiver or authorization (COA; Academy of Model Aeronautics, 2012; Federal Aviation Administration, 2010; Kumar, Ramesh, & Srinivasa, 2011). 

Historically, the flight of FPV aircraft required the use of a spotter (i.e., pilot in command) equipped with a buddy box control to assume command of the aircraft, operated within visual line of sight (LOS; Academy of Model Aeronautics, 2012; Finch, 2012; Lucidity, 2012).  A buddy box setup requires the use of a two linked R/C transmitters (TX) to provide dual control of a single onboard receiver (RX) for supervisory control and manipulation of aircraft servos (AvionicsRC.com, 2012; Cory & Tedrake, 2008; Han, Straw, Dickinson, & Murray, 2009; Hazeldene, Sloan, Wilkin, & Price, 2004; Schneider, 2010).  A noteworthy aspect of using a commercially-off-the-shelf (COTS) buddy box configuration is the reliance on a single RX (AvionicsRC.com, 2012), which represents a single point of failure for control (2icrc.com, 2009).

With the release of the new Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA; 2012) document, AMA guidelines for radio controlled model aircraft operations utilizing first person view, failsafe, stabilization and autopilot systems, the need for use of a buddy box has been removed for experienced operators (Finch, 2012; Lucidity, 2012).  While a buddy box is no longer required for approved AMA FPV operations (Academy of Model Aeronautics, 2012; Lucidity, 2012), inclusion of a low-cost, easy to implement control solution capable of seamless control hand off while providing a secondary control interface (i.e., second RX) merits consideration based on the safety and operational benefits. The benefits of including a secondary RX and buddy box operational configuration include:

1)      capability to integrate a personal computer (PC) control system with a conventional hobby R/C radio system (data logging, alternate human-machine-interface [HMI] interaction methods, and extended communication range)

2)      decreased timing for spotter (i.e., primary operator) control acquisition/hand off

3)      secondary control in the case of signal loss for primary TX/RX (control redundancy)

4)      capability for manual operator control when integrated with an autopilot/autonomous control system

This research study is proposed to examine the needs and limitations of sUAS operators and recommend a low cost control solution (i.e., system and procedures) for two person supervisory operations within established legal boundaries for increased safety and operational benefits. For the purpose of this research, sUAS are defined as R/C model aircraft weighing 15 pounds (lbs) or less with a maximum speed of 70 miles per hour (mph; Academy of Model Aeronautics, 2012) and operators are defined as researchers, Government agencies, and first person view (FPV) remote control (RC) model aircraft hobbyist.

Estimated Equipment Costs (to prove functionality and perform evaluation of design and procedures; see following)

Eight-channel hobby radio system (TX/RX)         

Futaba8JH 8-Channel 2.4GHz S-FHSS Heli Radio System
$279.99 (1 unit):  $279.9
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXBWGS&P=0

sUAS Platform

Heli-MaxAxe 400 3D Rx-R w/4 Futaba S3114 Servos       
$249.99 (1 unit): $249.99
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXUTP0&P=0

GreatPlanes LiPo 3S 11.1V 2000mAh w/Plg AXE 400 3D RTF

$44.99 (2 units): $89.98
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXVPF3&P=V

MicroPan and Tilt Kit

$53.95 (1 unit): $53.95          
http://www.lynxmotion.com/p-707-micro-pan-and-tilt-kit-black.aspx

FPV905Plug and Play 900Mhz 500mW Wireless System - XM495 8g 520TVL 5volts Mini ColorCamera - NTSC

$179.98 (1 unit):  $179.98
http://hobbywireless.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=88_89&products_id=22

MiniMaestro 12-Channel USB Servo Controller (Assembled)        

$29.95 (1 unit): $29.95          
http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/1352

XBee-PROXSC S3B Development Kit

$149.00 (1 unit): $149.00
http://store.digi.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=2768

Pololu RC Servo Multiplexer 4 Channel (assembled)

$19.95 (2 units): $39.90
http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/721

Servo Y Splitter Cable 12" Female - 2x Male

$3.25 (1 unit):  $3.25
http://www.pololu.com/catalog/product/788

GreatPlanes ElectriFly Equinox LiPo Cell Balancer

$34.99 (1 unit): $34.99          
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXMGS7&P=V

GreatPlanes ElectriFly Triton EQ AC/DC Charger  

$129.99 (1 unit): $129.99
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXVRS6&P=V

USB Video Capture

DIAMONDVC500 One Touch Video Capture Edit Stream or Burn to DVD USB 2.0    
$49.99 (1 unit): $49.99          
http://www.diamondmm.com/VC500.php

Contingency  

To cover, shipping and handling, tax, and unforeseen costs 
12.50% subtotal: $161.37      
Total Estimated Costs: $1,452.33

Proposed Design Overview

Estimated Timeline/Milestones

·         Performance of literature review and development of documentation identifying design criteria (duration: one month starting in January 2013)

·         Development of recommended design and associated documentation (e.g., architectural overview diagrams, theory of operation, and design decisions; duration: one month starting in February 2013)

·         Construction of proof of concept system (duration: two months starting in March 2013)

·         Component and integrated testing of system (duration: one month starting May 2013)

·         Development of conference ready whitepaper, documenting results and recommendations (eight to 10 pages, in Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers [IEEE] format; duration: two months starting in May 2013 and concluded by 30 June 2013)

REFERENCES

2icrc.com. (2009). Features of the wireless buddy box. Retrieved from http://www.2icrc.com/features.html

Academy of Model Aeronautics. (2012). AMA guidelines for radio controlled model aircraft

operationsutilizing first person view, failsafe, stabilization and autopilot systems [Adobe Acrobat reader]. Retrieved from http://www.modelaircraft.org/files/REPORT_ON_REVISED-550-560-OCT-8-2012.pdf

AvionicsRC.com (2012). Wireless head tracker instruction manualv1.0 [Adobe Acrobat

Reader]. Retrieved from http://www.fpvsystems.com/userfiles/W-tracker%20Manual.pdf

Cory, R., & Tedrake, R. (2008). Experiments in fixed-wing UAV perching [Adobe Acrobat

Reader]. Paper presented at the AIAA Guidance, Navigation and Control Conference and Exhibit, Honolulu, HI. Retrieved from http://groups.csail.mit.edu/robotics-center/public_papers/Cory08.pdf

Federal Aviation Administration. (2010). Fact sheet – unmanned aircraftsystems (UAS).

Retrieved from http://www.faa.gov/news/fact_sheets/news_story.cfm?newsid=6287

Fitch, G. (2012 October). Changesin FPV restrictions. Model Aviation, 38(10), 139-142.
Retrieved from https://library.modelaviation.com/ma/2012/10

Han, S., Straw, A.D., Dickinson, M.H., & Murray, R.M. (2009). A real-time helicopter testbed

for insect-inspired visual flight control. IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, 3055-3060. doi: 10.1109/ROBOT.2009.5152667

Hazeldene, A., Sloan, A., Wilkin, C., & Price, A. (2004). In-flight orientation, object

identification andlanding support for an unmanned air vehicle [Adobe Acrobat Reader]. Paper presented at the 2nd International Conference on Autonomous Robots and Agents, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Retrieved from http://www-ist.massey.ac.nz/conferences/icara2004/files/Papers/Paper58_ICARA2004_333_338.pdf

Kumar, K.S., Ramesh, G., & Srinivasa, K.V. (2011). First pilot view (FPV) flying UAV test bed

for acoustic andimage data generation [Adobe Acrobat Reader]. Paper presented at the Symposium on Applied Aerodynamics and Design of Aerospace Vehicle, Bangalore, India. Retrieved from http://nal-ir.nal.res.in/10157/1/133_G01.pdf

Lucidity. (2012, October 12). FPV: Legal, or what? [Web log post]. Retrieved from

http://roswellflighttestcrew.typepad.com/

Reyes, C. (2012a). Definition: FPV aircraft. Retrieved from http://rcadvisor.com/definition-fpv-
aircraft

Schneider, D. (2010). DIY eye in the sky: How to get a pilot’s-eye view while keeping both feet

on the ground. IEEE Spectrum, 47(2), 20-22. doi: 10.1109/MSPEC.2010.5397773

If you are interested in potential collaboration on this topic/proposal or have any questions, please feel free to contact me.