Design and implementation of DATA logging and stabilization system for a UAV

Area of Science:

• Aerospace Engineering
• Robotics
• Sensor Fusion

Background:

• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) require robust data logging for surveillance and performance analysis.
• Integrating Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and Global Positioning Systems (GPS) offers comprehensive flight parameter tracking.
• Existing systems may lack efficiency or advanced filtering for critical flight data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and implement an integrated data logging system for UAVs.
• To develop a prototype system capable of tracking and image capture for surveillance applications.
• To create a reliable recorder for flight parameter data, aiding in crash investigation and performance improvement.

Main Methods:

• Integration of Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based IMU and GPS for data acquisition.
• Implementation of a Mahony filter for efficient IMU data processing and sensor fusion.
• Development of a prototype data logger with image-capturing capabilities.

Main Results:

• Successful design and implementation of a UAV data logging system.
• Demonstrated capability for tracking and recording essential flight parameters.
• Improved measurement quality through the application of the Mahony filter.

Conclusions:

• The integrated IMU-GPS data logger provides a comprehensive solution for UAV surveillance and analysis.
• The Mahony filter offers an efficient method for enhancing sensor measurement quality.
• Further challenges include stabilizing pitch, roll, and yaw under abnormal conditions, considering altitude, camera angle, and motion blur.