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[Studies in Computational Intelligence 481] Artur Babiarz, Robert Bieda, Karol Jędrasiak, Aleksander Nawrat (auth.), Aleksander Nawrat, Zygmunt Kuś (eds.) - Vision Based Systemsfor UAV Applications (2013, Sprin

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VIII<br />

Preface<br />

valuable <strong>in</strong>formation <strong>in</strong> the field of detection, track<strong>in</strong>g and recognition of objects.<br />

Presented challenges and solutions are the results of research conducted by the team.<br />

Nowadays, image acquisition devices are ma<strong>in</strong>ly used by human operators or<br />

large tactical or strategic class <strong>UAV</strong>s. Therefore there is a need for <strong>in</strong>novative video<br />

sources that are characterized by small weight, low energy consumption and at the<br />

same time high resistance to vibrations, shock and temperature. Traditionally used<br />

visible light cameras cover only a small part of the magnetic spectrum and are easily<br />

covered by dust, smoke, fog, etc. In order to cont<strong>in</strong>ue aerial observation thermal<br />

imag<strong>in</strong>g and omnidirectional cameras have to be used.<br />

It is commonly accepted that over 80% of all perceptual <strong>in</strong>formation be<strong>in</strong>g received<br />

by human bra<strong>in</strong> is perceived through eyes. It is natural for control algorithms<br />

developers to try to utilize the <strong>in</strong>formation as it is done by both human and animal<br />

bra<strong>in</strong>s. <strong>Vision</strong> <strong>in</strong>formation can be utilized not only for control a s<strong>in</strong>gle device<br />

but also for controll<strong>in</strong>g a group of e.g. mobile robots. An alternative approach is to<br />

use aerial vision <strong>in</strong>formation for controll<strong>in</strong>g detected and recognized objects on the<br />

ground.<br />

Ma<strong>in</strong> aim of design and construction of <strong>UAV</strong>s is their practical application. However,<br />

their design is a lengthy process and requires <strong>in</strong>tensive evaluation us<strong>in</strong>g both<br />

simulation and experimental data. Even then, it is often necessary to apply amendments<br />

based on the actual real life experience of the application. Misrecognition<br />

can sometimes lead to irreversible consequences therefore <strong>in</strong> order to improve the<br />

quality of recognition frequently fusion of data from multiple sources of <strong>in</strong>formation<br />

is used. However it is worth mention<strong>in</strong>g that before the video stream from a<br />

camera mounted on an <strong>UAV</strong> it is necessary to wirelessly transmit to human operator<br />

us<strong>in</strong>g ground base station. In addition, video data transmission requires a significant<br />

network bandwidth. Communication over long distances is charged a considerable<br />

limitation <strong>in</strong> this regard. Therefore it is necessary to use a dedicated image and<br />

sound compression algorithms.<br />

The topics covered <strong>in</strong> this book also <strong>in</strong>cludes practical applications of classification<br />

algorithms used <strong>in</strong> video streams for <strong>UAV</strong>. This book is not only <strong>in</strong>tended<br />

for researchers <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> image process<strong>in</strong>g field. Aim of the book was to create a<br />

valuable source of <strong>in</strong>formation for researchers and constructors of solutions utiliz<strong>in</strong>g<br />

vision from <strong>UAV</strong>. Scientists and researchers <strong>in</strong>volved <strong>in</strong> computer vision, image<br />

process<strong>in</strong>g, data fusion, control algorithms, mechanics, data m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g, navigation and<br />

IC can f<strong>in</strong>d many valuable, useful and practical suggestions and solutions. The latest<br />

challenges for vision based systems are also presented. Furthermore the <strong>in</strong>formation<br />

<strong>in</strong>cluded <strong>in</strong> the book can benefit greatly students of higher years of study <strong>in</strong> the fields<br />

of computer science, automation, robotics, mechanical eng<strong>in</strong>eer<strong>in</strong>g or data m<strong>in</strong><strong>in</strong>g.<br />

The <strong>auth</strong>or strongly encourage all readers to explore the follow<strong>in</strong>g chapters of the<br />

book and <strong>in</strong>vite to open and honest discussion of any questions or concerns encountered<br />

dur<strong>in</strong>g the lecture.<br />

Gliwice<br />

February 2012<br />

<strong>Aleksander</strong> <strong>Nawrat</strong><br />

<strong>Zygmunt</strong> <strong>Kuś</strong>

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