Journal of Xidian University ›› 2025, Vol. 52 ›› Issue (1): 60-79.doi: 10.19665/j.issn1001-2400.20241008

• Information and Communications Engineering • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Review of obstacle avoidance methods for small UAVs using visual sensors

WANG Jialiang1(), DONG Kai1,2(), GU Zhaojun2(), CHEN Hui3(), HAN Qiang1,2()   

  1. 1. School ofComputer Science and Technology,Civil Aviation University of China,TianJin 300300,China
    2. Information Security Assessment Center of Civil Aviation University of China,TianJin 300300,China
    3. Aviation Meteorological Center,Air Traffic Management Bureau,Civil Aviation Administration of China,100022,China
  • Received:2023-12-20 Online:2024-10-29 Published:2024-10-29
  • Contact: GU Zhaojun E-mail:jl-wang@cauc.edu.cn;dongkai_cauc@163.com;zjgu@cauc.edu.cn;chenhui15532379008@163.com;hanqiang_cauc@163.com

Abstract:

The UAV autonomous flight obstacle avoidance technology is one of the most fundamental and critical technologies for the safe flight and application of drones,and it is also a current research hotspot in the UAV field.With the application of deep learning in computer vision and the rapid development and continuous improvement of visual sensors such as event cameras,methods about UAV autonomous flight obstacle avoidance based on visual sensors have made some progress.However,many existing research methods still face significant challenges in complex scenarios and a series of urgent problems that need to be addressed,particularly in terms of accuracy,real-time performance,and algorithm robustness.This paper first introduces the relevant concepts and difficulties of UAV obstacle avoidance.Then it categorizes obstacle avoidance algorithms based on visual sensors according to the hardware and technical approaches used into traditional obstacle avoidance methods,deep learning-based obstacle avoidance methods,event stream processing-based obstacle avoidance methods,sensor fusion-based obstacle avoidance methods,and decision-level obstacle avoidance methods based on vision.Each category of obstacle avoidance methods is discussed in detail,including their research progress and achievements,as well as an analysis of their advantages and disadvantages.Finally,the paper summarizes the existing problems in UAV obstacle avoidance algorithms and provides an outlook on future research directions.

Key words: unmanned aerial vehicle, obstacle detectors, computer vision, event camera

CLC Number: 

  • TP249