Infrared cameras can detect light not visible to humans, demonstrating areas where photosynthesis is or is not occurring-an indication of how healthy those plants are. Kriehn particularly focuses on maps of agricultural fields that can then be analyzed for crop health.
Professors drone meaning software#
Software is then used to analyze the image. Drones are flown over the space while they capture hundreds of photos of the ground, which are then stitched together into a complete photo of the area. Photos taken from a drone are then used for Kriehn's second area of focus, in which he uses a mapping technique to create images of geographic spaces. This capability would ultimately allow the drone cameras to take more accurate photos more quickly, as the pilot wouldn't need to consistently readjust the UAV or camera manually. So, the problem is taken care of, and you can spend your time looking at the data and analyzing the pictures as opposed to trying to keep the picture in frame." “We want to try and do that on an automated basis. “Getting the system to actually point at a given location, and then to hold that location, is a critical factor," Dr. This would reduce the effects of human error and help the camera focus on that point despite the drone vibrating, turning or moving through the air.
“Now that the technology is developed, there are other applications of that technology that are valuable to the beach cities and can help them with their spatial planning."ĬSU faculty have also found a range of industry applications for drones outfitted with cameras.Ĭalifornia State University, Fresno's Gregory Kriehn, Ph.D., professor of electrical and computer engineering, has dedicated most of his research to improving drone technology and applying it to precision agriculture.įirst, his efforts are working to develop an algorithm that will automatically enable a drone's camera to stably focus on a specific point on the ground. “How close are they to a parking lot, or how close are they to a lifeguard stand?" Dr. In addition, the city of Seal Beach hopes to harness the Shark Lab's collected data to study how many people are going to the beach and how they are using it.
While the collaboration is giving both biology and computer science students experience using drones and working across different scientific fields, the research is also proving beneficial in other areas.įor example, Kurfess and other faculty at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo are utilizing drone footage and machine-learning programs for operations like assessing fire damage or expanding aĬontinuous Forest Inventory at Cal Poly's Swanton Pacific Ranch. “We don't have the capacity to actually do this on a large scale, but we hope to demonstrate that the technology to do this is available, and it is feasible." “While it's beyond the scope of what we can do here, drones like the ones we're building could be used to alert lifeguards and communities about the presence of sharks in areas frequented by humans," Dr. The goal is to allow the program to trace the movement of a specific shark throughout a video segment, which will allow the Shark Lab to better understand both shark and human behavior along the shore. Currently, it can identify sharks and humans in still images. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo students are working on the program as part of class projects, senior projects and master's theses to improve and expand its capabilities.
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