Waypoint Generation Based on Sensor Aimpoint

<p>This research develops waypoint generation algorithms required to keep a point of interest (POI) in the field of view (FOV) of a fixed sensor on a micro air vehicle (MAV) in the presence of a constant wind. The waypoint generation algorithms establish waypoints such that a fixed sensor on a MAV at that waypoint and assumed attitude would be pointed directly at the POI. Two scenarios are explored: one where the MAV orbits the POI and the second where the MAV flies to align the sensor at the POI along a preferred look angle. The first scenario relies on a sensor aimed out the side of the MAV while the second considers both a side-viewing sensor and a forward-viewing sensor. The research explored each scenario through hardware-in-the-loop testing as well as flight testing. The results indicate the algorithms keep the POI in the FOV at least two-thirds of the time as long as the wind speed was less than one-quarter of the cruise speed; at higher winds the MAV has a difficult time keeping to the flight path generated by the sensor aimpoint algorithm.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>