Converting a DJI Tello Quadcopter into a Face-follower Machine Using the Haar Cascade with PID Controller

Abstract

Drones have been frequently used for photography in recent years at significantly cheaper rates. However, the most modern drones are exceedingly error-prone and require precise manual control to take high-quality photos or films. We suggest using the AI method of Haar cascades with a PID controller to give drones vision, enabling them to do autonomous tracking and detection. This project aims to improve photography fields. The proposed system tries to detect the face and track the person's movements. This system will help photographers and journalists upgrade their work, even if it is used in surveillance and the military. The algorithm's results show that the DJI Tello tiny drone's camera is capable of detecting and tracking faces. The micro drone was picked since it is lightweight and compact, making its use safe and enabling testing to take place inside. Additionally, the DJI Tello may be easily programmed using Python. The position of the drone is contrasted with the set point in the center of the image to identify errors, allowing control signals for calculating forward/backwards, right/left, and yaw movements. The proposed system results show that the drone can detect and track the face very well, and the PID values are stable.