Indoor mapping guidance algorithm of rotary-wing UAV including dead-end situations

Abstract

A mapping guidance algorithm of a quadrotor for unknown indoor environments is proposed. A sensor with limited sensing range is assumed to be mounted on the quadrotor to obtain object data points. With obtained data, the quadrotor computes velocity vector and yaw commands to move around the object while maintaining a safe distance. The magnitude of the velocity vector is also controlled to prevent a collision. The distance transform method is applied to establish dead-end situation logic as well as exploration completion logic. When a dead-end situation occurs, the guidance algorithm of the quadrotor is switched to a particular maneuver. The proposed maneuver enables the quadrotor not only to escape from the dead-end situation, but also to find undiscovered area to continue mapping. Various numerical simulations are performed to verify the performance of the proposed mapping guidance algorithm.