DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/78H3-F249
Defense Date
2011
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Engineering
First Advisor
Dr. Robert H. Klenke
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to design a multiple UAV system with collaborative operation. This project is built on work that has been done in the field of Unmanned Systems at VCU and is aimed at providing a starting point for research into collaborative control of multiple UAVs. The current GCS software was extended to include multiple vehicles per single controller via a new communication protocol. Many changes were made to the user interface to facilitate controlling multiple vehicles with a single operator. A second processor, called an MCS, was added to each vehicle to allow for greater flexibility and processing power, while maintaining backwards-compatibility and limiting infringement on the real-time processing of the FCS itself. The system was fully simulated via both hardware and software simulators, and ultimately the system was field tested using multiple vehicles collaboratively searching a defined area.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
August 2011