Wireless sensor network development: Targeting and control system for semi-ballistic vehicle for rapid and precise search and rescue applications

Abstract

This paper considers the vast development in the technology of sensor such as embedded system, Global Position- ing System (GPS) wireless communications and wireless sensor applications. In recent years an efsicient design of a Wireless Sensor Network has become a leading area of research for semi-ballistic unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). A network of sensor is a device that responds and detects some type of input from both the physical or environmental conditions, such as pressure, heat, light, etc. The output of the sensor is generally an electrical con- ditions that is transmitted to controller for further processing. Wireless sensor network has been widely used and its design has become an important sield of control engineering in addition to providing real-time communication system in surveillance, tracking, and monitoring applications. In this paper, development of wireless sensor net- work for targeting and control system of a semi-ballistic UAV for rapid and precise search and rescue operations is being presented and discussed. The developed system is composed of two sections: Air Section and Ground Section. The Air Section consists of Magnetic Compass Sensor, Micro-Electro-Mechanical Sensors (MEMs), GPS, Camera, Servo Motor and Parachute Controllers and the latter is consist of Video Recording, Receiver and Moni- toring. The system will helps in locating the exact location at centralized level. In effect, it increases the response efsiciency. Furthermore, this system helps in controlling and protecting naval, ground and arm forces in any lo- cation for the search and rescue operations. The wireless sensor network system is capable of collecting, storing and analyzing data from several devices embedded in the vehicle. Results show that the multi-sensor fusion and integration plays a critical role in the overall design and performance enhancement of the semi-ballistic unmanned aerial vehicle being developed.