AWC (Auk)

Hardware Configuration

The AWC (codename Auk) is an entry level low priced camera for agricultural applications. The system features an integrated ILS measurement system for down-welling radiation that can be used to generate accurate reflectance data for the NIR, Red and Green bands. The camera head and electronics are separated by a 6 to 10 inch interconnect cable, allowing the camera to be placed in a UAV with a ground view, while the electronics is mounted with a sky view for its ILS sensors.

The unit is based on the “smart camera” Linux controller technology first introduced in our MCAW cameras. It features a user friendly browser interface, and a variety of Linux interfacing options available from the wireless interface. Files can be downloaded with a browser button, or via a Samba network connection using a File Explorer.

The camera has an interface connector with power, ground, picture switch and RS232 serial I/O. It can run on any input voltage from 6 to 30 volts DC. Image storage memory is 16 GB by default, but the unit can optionally be configured with 48 GB of capture memory.

The image sensor is configured for 2 megapixel image capture, with NIR, Red, Green bayer pattern filtration. Image capture time is 1 second per frame.

Software Features

The camera can perform extraction of NDVI images and false color RGB images as background tasks while images are being acquired, eliminating the need for post processing prior to generating a mosaic. Image capture can be automatic, based on GPS offset or time delay, or triggered, from the serial port or Take Picture logic signal.

A GPS listener on the serial port allows GPS data to be appended to the images as metadata. The unit interfaces to the Tetracam PixelWrench and Log Distiller utilities for batch processing of the captured data.

GPS/IMU Option

The Auk has a GPS/IMU option available; accordingly, an Auk user can geolocate their imagery as well as provide ILS metadata and logs. The GPS/IMU data is supplied at the same time as ILS data to the Auk. When a user is done with an image taking mission, their data will be ready to process in PixelWrench or other software, GPS/IMU and ILS information available either via image metadata or logs. The IMU part of the option consists of heading, pitch, and roll.

Since GPS/IMU and ILS information are provided by the Auk, configuration in a manned or unmanned aerial vehicle will be much simpler than having multiple devices attached. A user may mount their ILS part of the Auk facing towards the sun, and the camera part facing down towards the ground, and images will be geolocated as well as supplied with ILS data.

System Specifications

Manufacturer: Tetracam, USA