An Innovative Tool for Simulating and Controlling Mini Air Vehicles
Andrea Sanna, Barbara Pralio · 2005
Abstract:- Simulation has proved to be an effective tool in a wide spectrum of disciplines. Some activities involve dangerous and hazardous for users and/or special and expensive equipments; in these cases, simulation can be a value added allowing users to perform training sessions in a safety way. An innovative tool for simulating piloting sessions of Uninhabited Air Vehicles (UAVs) is presented in this paper. UAVs allow to perform a lot of tasks such as surveillance, environmental monitoring, traffic control, and so on. A flight simulator for mini UAVs is proposed and issues related to the design and implementation of innovative human-machine interfaces are investigated. In particular, the control by means of joystick and data glove, beyond the traditional RC transmitter, is proposed. This work is part of a wider project that aims to design and develop an integrated system including: a mini UAV able to take on board cameras and sensors, a system for auto piloting in order to perform autonomous flights, and a ground control station where just one operator is able to accomplish the mission. Key-Words:- flight simulation, mini UAVs, human-machine interface. 1