Trillium Engineering Advances UAS Video Technology with New Processor
Trillium Engineering, known for its innovative gimbaled camera systems tailored for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), has successfully conducted a test flight featuring a cutting-edge video processor aimed at enhancing the functionality of Group 2 UAS.
Challenges with current Video Standards
Many tactical UAVs rely on the H.264 video compression codec, which delivers satisfactory image quality for nearby targets. However,this standard often falls short for long-distance operations,as the lower bitrate can result in the loss of crucial visual details,rendering images too blurry for effective analysis.
Innovative Solutions with H.265
In response to these limitations, Trillium Engineering has upgraded its HD80-MV gimbaled camera to incorporate a video processor that supports the more advanced H.265 codec. This system was tested on a Cessna aircraft, simulating the size and capabilities of a Group 2 UAV. The gimbalS operations were managed from a ground-based laptop, allowing for real-time adjustments. The outcome was notable, with midwave infrared and electro-optical imagery showing a 50% increase in clarity compared to the previous codec.
Significance of Enhanced Clarity
Rob gilchrist, president of Trillium Engineering, highlighted the importance of this advancement: “In previous scenarios, it was difficult to determine whether an individual was armed or simply holding a tool. This ambiguity often led to mission cancellations due to the inability to make definitive identifications. During our flight tests, we intentionally reduced the bitrate to simulate a UAS operating at a greater distance. Transitioning from H.264 to H.265 resulted in a striking betterment in image quality.”
Funding and Future Demonstrations
This accomplished test flight was partially funded by a Phase 2 Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Air Force research Laboratory. Looking ahead, Trillium Engineering is set to showcase this new video processing capability to various UAS manufacturers.
