A UAV system for autonomous target detection and gas sensing

Monitoring of environmental gases is a demanding task that can require long periods of observation and large numbers of sensors. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) presently represent a suitable alternative to monitor large, remote, and difficult to access areas. Due to the wide range and diversity of shape and size, UAVs now possess the capability of carrying specialized sensor modules that can accurately monitor gas-concentrations. This paper describes the design and flight testing of a UAV which carries an on-board camera and a carbon dioxide gas sensor and is capable of autonomous gas sensing while simultaneously visually detecting predefined targets placed at locations inside a room. The detection system autonomously navigates around the flight area using a waypoint navigation system and hovers for 10 seconds once the target has been visually identified taking Air Quality (AQ) samples as it does so. Laboratory, bench and field test results demonstrate the capability of the UAV to detect targets placed in a room and analyse the air quality of samples taken during flight above the target. The data collected during the flight is transmitted, in real time, back to a Ground Control Station (GCS) for visualisation and analysis, where 3D mapping of the target location and gas concentration is presented via a web interface. Test cases verify the capability of the subsystem's integration and the operation of the UAV system as a whole. The image processing algorithm used for the target detection, based on a cascade method, proved to be dependent on the frame transmission rates, which can make the software considerably slower. The developed system provides an effective monitoring system and can be used in a wide range of applications such as gas leaks, fires, and mining applications and if converted for use in an outdoor environment, applications such as agriculture biomass burning emissions and chemical and biological agent detection studies. The system could be used in conjunction with ground sensors and integrated into an extensive gas monitoring system.