This paper addresses the multi-target, multi-task assignment problem for unmanned vehicles by presenting the decentralized Extended Consensus-Based Bundle Algorithm (ECBBA). The algorithm converges to conflict-free feasible solutions; furthermore, the algorithm allows local "pop-up" targets to be added and re-converges to a solution without resolving the entire optimization. A method to limit the communication network around targets is introduced. Limiting the communication is shown, through simulation, to produce solutions commensurate with full communication (within 2%) with the added benefit of reduced communication across the network.
We present a method of performing precision landings of a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned air vehicle (UAV) with the use of an onboard vision sensor and information about the aircraft's orientation and altitude above ground level (AGL). A method for calculating the 3-dimensional location of the UAV relative to a ground target of interest is presented as well as a navigational controller to position the UAV above the target. A method is also presented to prevent the UAV from moving in a way that will cause the ground target of interest to go out of view of the UAV's onboard camera. These methods are tested in simulation and in hardware and resulting data is shown. Hardware flight testing yielded an average position estimation error of 22 centimeters. The method presented is capable of performing precision landings of VTOL UAV's with submeter accuracy.
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