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Control of a Quadrotor Helicopter Using Dual Camera Visual Feedback

Erdinç Altu

Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey, altuger{at}itu.edu.tr

James P. Ostrowski

Evolution Robotics, Pasadena, CA, USA

Camillo J. Taylor

University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA

In this paper we propose a vision-based stabilization and output tracking control method for a model helicopter. A novel two-camera method is introduced for estimating the full six-degrees-of-freedom pose of the helicopter. One of these cameras is located on-board the helicopter, and the other camera is located on the ground. Unlike previous work, these two cameras are set to see each other. The pose estimation algorithm is compared in simulation to other methods and is shown to be less sensitive to errors on feature detection. In order to build an autonomous helicopter, two methods of control are studied: one using a series of mode-based, feedback linearizing controllers and the other using a backstepping-like control law. Various simulations demonstrate the implementation of these controllers. Finally, we present flight experiments where the proposed pose estimation algorithm and non-linear control techniques have been implemented on a remote-controlled helicopter.

Key Words: helicopter control • pose estimation • unmanned aerial vehicle • vision-based control

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