Slashdot Mirror
Pilot a Plane with a PDA?
An anonymous reader writes "This whitepaper describes how engineers at IBM's Pervasive Computing Advanced Technology Laboratory created a Linux-based, intelligent, remote control system for a model airplane as a way to showcase gateway server technology. The onboard computer controls various navigational equipment and interfaces to a wireless access point and PDA. The user can control the plane through handheld wireless technology. A 3-dimensional virtual flight environment tracks the plane's flight and provides a gps-based autopilot function. The environment is based on LandSAT maps and gives the user a virtual view of the flight from the cockpit of the plane, which can be augmented by real-time updates from an onboard camera. The article briefly introduces "gateway server" concepts, describes the embedded hardware and software architecture, explains how the IBM developers implemented the control systems, and includes lots of cool photos."
"I have had the iQue 3600 for over a week and have taken several trips with it ranging from a few miles to over 300 miles long. In most cases, the iQue 3600 can be relied on to give you correct directions to your destination. However the map database does occasionally show its quirks. On at least two occasions, I was advised to take a particular road but the displayed name was incorrect even though the actual direction to the destination was, as it turned out later, correct." - Amazon
--Your Friendly Neighborhood Product Placement Troll
have a real pilot with his real hands on the real controls. Thanks a bunch anyway.
...and fly it by waving your PDA around in the air, incidentally looking like a dumbass in the process.
Pretend there is some witty statement here.
Whoa! Sorry about that, I wrote "PULL UP! PULLL UP!" but the PDA kept passing it to the plane as "Bull QD1" "Bull QD1"
"Can of worms? The can is open... the worms are everywhere."
They've always been called "Palm Pilots", haven't they? What else would you use one for?
...Nothing interesting here. Just move along...
This screenshot seems a bit troubling. Whats with the concentric circles on the display? Is this some form of targeting system?
Somebody set us up the bomb?
They've always been called "Palm Pilots", haven't they? What else would you use one for?.
n/t
Unfortunately, since it relies on LandSAT maps and not real-time images (unless you spring for the expensive "onboard camera" option), you've got a good chance of "flying into" buildings that someone else has already blown up. Hijacking a passenger airplane is still the better option, IMHO.
Mac OS X has this capability already.
Anyone know what the distance of transmission for the pda's signals to the plane is?
Maybe they have been getting their ideas from The New Yorker Magazine
than a lame goatse link?
goatse quit being funny like four years ago
First Gateway drugs and now Gateway servers? What is the world coming to!?
From your wireless PDA, you could turn on lights, set your VCR, monitor your alarm system, or even fly a plane.
Its 2003 and I can't even control my alarm clock with my computer. It looks like I won't have computer controlled devices at home anytime before 2010. Anyway, this PDA experiment is keeping my hopes alive.
New year Resolution: Don't change sig this year
Now all we need is a "model" bomb to go with the model airplane and wire it through a cell phone instead of Wi-Fi for greater ranger.
Whats the address of RIAA headquarters again?
"Can you hear me NOW !?! HUH?! HUH?! HUH?!"
So the maximum range is going to be ~1000 feet but ~300 feet is closer to reality.
Would you like fries with that?
One moment, I'm piloting a plane!
Oh yeah... "What's The Fucking Point?"
It's fun for the inventor. I could ask what the fucking point of TV, but the answer is its fun for the person watching it. At least with the PDA thing, the person is building and creating something.
Let it be the last.
You're kidding right? Do a quick Google and see how much you can control right now. Don't forget the obligatory X10 devices for home automation either. You can easily tie in a Sharp Zaurus to most of these setups and you could also use VNC from the WinCE devices, if that's what you have.
If you wanted to control your appliances via PC or PDA you could do it, right now. You just have to put in a little effort initially.
That's because Yankees are always confused
So now, in addition to not being able to bring tweezers and nail clippers on a flight "because they could be used to hijack the plane", I wonder how long until palms and laptops are restricted.
there'd actually be a reason for them to make you turn your laptops off on takeoff.
The bold print giveth, and the fine print taketh away
...build remote controlled airplanes for one of the biggest companies in the U.S.!
Father: "What have you been doing with that Game Boy Advance that has required so much of your attention"?
Son: "I'm flying a 747 over the Indian Ocean"
Lucky the PDA don't run on any windows-based stuff, now a Blue Screen Of Death at 1000ft could be a problem!
.
but what does the pilot do during take-off when all electronic devices have to be shut off?
This brings a whole new meaning to the name "Palm Pilot"
(:
Especially if companies like FedEx figure out how to eliminate the pilots on cargo planes.
Then there would be no on-board pilot to override the remote hijacking....
when can we see the development of a national air taxi system as described by James Fallow in The Atlantic monthly? i'd like to travel like Steve Jobs.
Supreme executive power derives from a mandate from the masses, not from some farcical aquatic ceremony.
This is teh proof:
one cannot generate ascii art using Notepad.
What's The Fucking Point?
I'm afraid I don't understand your question. Are you looking for a place to have sex? Asking for relationship advice?
Oh, wait, I get it. If I interpret your use of the word "Fucking" as a meaningless filler word, typically used by uneducated people with limited vocabularies to express a vaguely-defined emphasis, then your question makes much more sense. I really hate having to assume that you're stupid, but... so be it:
What's the point of this exercise? Well, if you'd read the article, you'd understand they're demonstrating the ability of off-the-shelf technology to provide control of nearly any sort of device remotely, with real-time data and video feedback. This kind of web-based control systems has an unlimited number of potential applications. Some such applications would use a handheld controller, others would use other form factors, depending on the circumstances. The point is that there is a tremendous degree of flexibility achievable with these technologies.
Why a plane? Why not? If you've gotta build a demo showing control of something, why not control something cool?
yankee is a term orriginated from some duth pirate dealing in new ampsterdam based on his name which wsa Yan Key or something of the sort, if i remember correctly. Non-Americans probably use it as a general term due to that song 'Yankee Doodle Dandie' from the revolution.
Did you even know what the parent was talking about? "PalmPilot" was the product name of the PDA from US Robotics.
I, for one, welcome our space elevatory overlords.
Heh. This ascii art was generated with aalib you retard.
handheld wireless tecnology. Pulse Code Modulated to boot.
Yeah, I understand that's it's cool that they've been able to do it this way and the technology may have some legitimate applications in the future and I applaud them for having done it.
Just remember, before you rush out to try to build one of these things, that's it's actually a pretty daft way to control a model airplane.
Just because we have a hammer does not mean that everything is a nail. The world is still full of screws and rivets, not to mention the odd bit of glue and welding.
KFG
This whitepaper from Intrinsyc describes how engineers at IBM's Pervasive Computing Advanced Technology Laboratory created an embedded Linux based intelligent, high-level remote control system for a model airplane as a way to showcase Gateway Server technology.
(Click for larger view)
Using an Embedded Gateway Server to Remotely Pilot a Model Plane
Intrinsyc Software has helped pioneer the development of intelligent connected devices with the CerfBoard reference platform. Intrinsyc has developed embedded platforms that target headless and display based applications running on a variety of processors and has developed a custom Linux distribution to take full advantage of the CerfBoard's capabilities. With the addition of IBM's WebSphere Micro Environment's Java Powered Runtime Environment, the CerfBoard has evolved into a powerful, versatile embedded gateway server. This remarkably small gateway server can be used to remotely administer and monitor any connected smart devices.
A "gateway server" is a system that acts as a bridge between the Internet and an intranet of local devices, it also is a method of shoving CMDRTACO's big fat cock up my mouth, jizzing all over, allowing you to talk to and control any connected device. For example, a home gateway server could connect to various devices in the home to allow you to synchronize your lawn sprinklers to weather reports on the Internet. From your wireless PDA, you could turn on lights, set your VCR, monitor your alarm system, or even fly a plane. The range of applications is virtually unlimited.
With the proliferation of embedded smart devices in the home and small office, a standard framework for connection and integration is required. This is achieved with the use of Open Services Gateway Initiative (OSGI) protocols and APIs. OSGi has standardized a collection of Java APIs that define the services gateway. Java technology is used because it is an open technology that runs on a wide variety of platforms. I like men I like men I like men.
Pilot a plane with a PDA?
Engineers at IBM's Pervasive Computing Advanced Technology Laboratory have created an application that uses a small Linux based single board computer to replace the standard radio controls in a radio controlled model airplane. The idea was extended to use a Java layer allowing the user to interface with the airplane controls using a standard wireless enabled PDA. The CerfBoard 405EP was chosen for this application because of its ability to showcase the power of gateway server technology.
The Linux based embedded computer that is used is the IBM PowerPC 405EP Embedded Processor based CerfBoard 405EP from Intrinsyc Software. The CerfBoard 405EP runs Intrinsyc's Linux distribution (I-Linux) and IBM's WebSphere Micro Environment Java Virtual Machine and Services Management Framework (SMF) to function as an embedded Services Gateway. An SMF bundle integrates the user interface and the Java layer interaction with the Linux operating system.
Process Diagram -- click for larger view
The CerfBoard 405EP is secured in the cockpit of the airplane and integrated into the legacy control system of the radio controlled (RC) model airplane. The CerfBoard 405EP is powered by a 5V regulated battery pack which is also secured in the cockpit.
The legacy radio control module and the CerfBoard 405EP are connected to a wireless switching module on a dedicated frequency. This allows the user to switch between computer controlled flight and manual flight. The airplane's flight path is manipulated by the following components:
* Ailerons on the airplane's wings change the body roll (rotate the plane body)
* Elevators on the horizontal stabilizer adjust the airplane's height
* The rudder on the vertical stabilizer changes the yaw (side to side motion)
Servo motors connected to the ailerons, elevators and the rudder are controlled by a dedicated integrated circuit that accepts commands via a standard RS232 connection.
Watch out.. this goes to goatse.cx.. what a bastard.
My sig can beat up your sig.
+1 informative for a Goatse link? I hope the moderator gets hit hard in meta.
As I said for the remote controlled rockets:
This gives a whole new meaning to
@$#(*^%#)(%*R!@ NO CARRIER
Bewm.
What with this and the recent TAM flights. I'm all interested in creating a flight control computer, what information have people found with regard to creating software to fly fixed wing aircraft?
When most Slashdotters think about "palm pilots", their not thinking about PDAs...
Translation: New device found. Device: Airbus A310. Do you want to start auto configuration now?
Start/Abort
Whoa its not THAT user friendly!
Of those to whom much is given, much is required.
Real Time Tools has been making PDA software for pilots for some time now. IBM is just sprucing it up a little :-)
Saskboy's blog is good. 9 out of 10 dentists agree.
As Reviewed by Slash:
Cyber plane attacks Maxis city, mayhem errupts and model citizens flee! The plot is somewhat linear though and while the characters are animated they are still a bit wooden.
Starring Lefty Rudder, action hero Wing Spar and the ever uplifting Ms. Aero Foil.
1. Build model plane with gps guidance
2. Smuggle drugs over border
3. Profit!!!
Hey, wait a minute...
When will I be able to connect my Commodore 64 joystick to my bike? That would rock :P
Target is what you are pointing or aiming at with something. Or something you are trying to reach, face, proceed to etc. - Something being a target does not imply it will get shot or attacked...
Well...palm is the inside part of the hand, and a pilot is someone who controls a flying vehicle.
Conventionaly, when an adjective is used in front of pilot, such as, for example, F-18 pilot, or helicopter pilot, it is used to indicate what type of vehicle is being flown. So I guess a "palm pilot" would be a pilot who directs the inside part of a hand to act as a flying vehicle.
Mod me down and I will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine!
A global positioning system (GPS) and independent gyros are used to maintain synchronization between the virtual and physical positioning of the plane and allow real-time flight path correction. The current position of the plane is determined by the onboard GPS module and the gyros are integrated to indicate horizon and heading information as well as determine when the plane should terminate a turn. The navigation software is implemented as an SMF Bundle with native library support to interface with the GPS module and the gyros. The collected data is plugged into positioning algorithms that compare the actual state of the plane with the intended flight path and actuate the servos based on the result.
The breakthrough isn't that a cerfBoard can fly a plane. It's that a cerfboard can fly a plane AND take directions from you in the form of gps coordinates... from any java capable browser.
A global positioning system (GPS) and independent gyros are used to maintain synchronization between the virtual and physical positioning of the plane and allow real-time flight path correction. The current position of the plane is determined by the onboard GPS module and the gyros are integrated to indicate horizon and heading information as well as determine when the plane should terminate a turn. The navigation software is implemented as an SMF Bundle with native library support to interface with the GPS module and the gyros. The collected data is plugged into positioning algorithms that compare the actual state of the plane with the intended flight path and actuate the servos based on the result.
The plane flies itself using the cerfBoard it has onboard. You tell it where to go by pointing on a map.
It's a lot more advanced than the joystick method. The legitimate reason for doing this is to show that we can control a device that has to react in hard real time with minimal user input from any java capable browser in the world. Think about how many such devices exist? My ex-boss runs an adhesive factory in his spare time... with computer controlled mixers on a proprietary interface hooked up to a modem. His big dream is to get the emergency stop buttons on those mixers onto the internet behind some appropriate security... and if that works, try something a bit more interesting...
If there's any interest I'll make it available (with source code of course).
irb(main):001:0>
Unless it was running wince oops I mean winCE.
then use class 1 bluetooth dumb ass. ;)
FYI( Bluetooth ):
class 1 = 100m
class 2 = 10m
class 3 = 2m
LoB
"Anyone who stands out in the middle of a road looks like roadkill to me." --Linus
Now you satanistic bastards can die via remote controll muhahahahahahaha - UBL
MuhahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahaL L ALL DIE SOON - UBL
YOU'
Troll?
Let us mourn for all the men in Canterbury who have now been proven unworthy to fuck a woman again. Not only did they lose, they lost through tackles so limp that it makes you wonder whether they had a wee trip up to Auckland. Let the Southland men enjoy their spoils with a fuckfest of the (now quite willing and receptive) Canterbury women, and watch the Canterbury team honorably drown themselves in the waters off Akaroa, having forgotten that Rugby truely is war.
Because there are real live people flying around up there, that's why not. I don't want to kill myself by being flown into by one of those toys.
Some basic definitions...
- This is a plane
- This is an airplane
- This is an aeroplane
(check again. the 'airplane' is in America, the 'aeroplane' is not).
I find your ideas intriguing and I wish to subscribe to your newsletter.
Cool!
If they can get the usable range up to 20 miles, then I can use this technology to ship various substances across the Mexican border without all the hassle of border inspections or having to bribe the border patrol like I do now.
I'm gonna be filthy rich!
Thanx IBM Geeks!!
AC
You sure are quick.
If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.